For not the first time this winter, snow has fallen to sea level in a number of areas in the South Island and now the North Island is noticing the unwelcome visitor with snow closing the Rimtutaka Rd, north of Wellington

This southerly, just 36 hours ago, appeared somewhat innocuous but it gathered momentum as it marched up the mainland and delivered snow to many parts of Otago, Canterbury and Kaikoura.

Although falls were relatively light in coastal areas, it was a different story inland with heavier falls and Canterbury alpine passes were also affected by snow.

South Island weather analyst Richard Green says conditions worsened from midday yesterday in Christchurch and hail and sleet peppered the city from mid afternoon.’The surprising thing is that this southerly has delivered much colder air than initially expected and heavier showers too. It should hang around again today but gradually improve later but it looks like sport for the 7th consecutive week has been affected by rain and snow on a Saturday which is rare, even in a cold and damp Canterbury winter ‘.

Further south and yesterday Dunednites saw a mantle of snow layer the hillside suburbs and further inland, the clearing skies after fridays sleet and snow was starting to freeze, making roads in the region slippery. Snow was also falling in parts of lowlying areas of the city last night.

Motorists have been advised that there is some snow lying on roads, particularly inland and to drive with extreme care.