Over Friday and Saturday the main pulse of wintry air moves over NZ with snow levels lowering to just 100 or 200 meters on Saturday – and the potential for isolated snow showers to go down to sea level for a time in the east (like around coastal Otago).  If that does happen, it doesn’t look like it will amount to much based on the current data. Snow may be heavier further north in Canterbury around the ranges and mountains with that cold air moving into more moisture – the Canterbury Plains may see some flurries too.  Overnight lows will be below zero (or near it) for many regions as we get to Sunday morning – with conditions easing further into Monday – and high pressure returning by Tuesday.

But by Wednesday of next week we’re back to sub-tropical northerlies, isolated thunderstorms/downpours (in the north and west of both main islands) as a large low exits Australia and heads towards NZ. This low looks to linger into next weekend bringing a mixture of weather.

NZ’s mountains and ranges will break up the wind and rain – so we also tell you who gets sunshine and drier skies.