Snow is falling in parts of both islands this morning, as the cold southwesterly airflow which has kept temperatures down through the day continues to influence our weather!

About inland Canterbury (above 300m) there is the possibility of 5 to 10cm, with up to 15cm in places above 400m. South Canterbury will likely only see light flurries, but the wind flow is more southerly – meaning showers are penetrating a bit further into the South Canterbury area.

The East Coast of the North Island could see totals of 5 to 10cm above 200m, which has already created issues for the Napier Taupo road and highways above that level.

Wellingtonians have woken to a white blanket in parts – with temperatures down to 1.8 degrees last night and an expected high today of only seven degrees.

The Rimutaka Hill Rd between Wellington and Wairarapa is closed because of snow and Wellington city’s hilly suburbs could be in for a sprinkling, but with daytime sunshine the chances of very low level snow becomes more and more remote.

The West Coast of the South Island has had a frosty start – especially inland – while the same goes for about the Lake Taupo area northwards through to the Waikato and inland Bay Of Plenty, not major frosts but –2 to –3 possible.

A ridge moves over the lower South Island overnight Thursday and into Friday morning – bringing more frosty conditions, with the possibility of temperatures in the double figure negatives in really sheltered areas.

– Aaron Wilkinson & Drew Chappell/NZME

– Photo: Wild Bay NZ