MetService says a sharp cold wintry blast is likely to hit much of the South Island and the lower North Island this week, bringing snow and chilling winds.
It says the dramatic southerly change will start sweeping northwards in the form of an active trough, from Wednesday, covering much of New Zealand by the day's end.
People in Southland, Clutha and Dunedin can expect snow to near sea levels during Wednesday while there will also be snow falling on the Central Plateau and the Rimutaka Ranges in the North Island.
MetService says the cold blast will be challenging to farmers currently lambing and traffic on roads at higher levels will be disrupted.
