Blizzards, gales, severe wind chills and snow are all in the forecast for Southland today as a brief but cold snap moves through.

Last month half a million newborn lambs will killed as a snow storm followed by several days of gales and sub-zero temperatures hammered the region.  While this wintry outbreak won’t be as long lasting it could still cause more problems for farmers.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says the cold air is currently moving in to the area and strong winds from the south-west will continue all day and into tonight before easing.

While snow fall amounts won’t be as heavy at lower levels the wind chills are likely to be below zero at times in Invercargill and Dunedin and as low as -5 or colder in some higher, exposed, farms.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says snow will not likely fall in Invercargill or coastal areas, with most Canterbury centres missing out on snow too but some snow and sleet is expected inland on the Canterbury plains.

The cold snap will head into the North Island tonight and into Monday.

Meanwhile it will be frosty weather in 48 hours time that will be cause for concern for grape growers in both islands.  Frosts may be heavy in some valleys as a high moves in bringing clear skies and little wind from Tuesday to Thursday.

Frosts in Central Otago may be severe.

– WeatherWatch.co.nz

Homepage image / Snow in Invercargill last month will unlikely be repeated today. Image by Malcolm Gayfer

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