A wintry blast is threatening to hit the country later this week, according to NIWA.
Niwa tweeted there was "potential for a significant wintry storm" around Thursday or Friday, with snow, strong wind gusts and heavy rainfall.
It said the news of snow would be bad for the lambing season.
MetService also said a complex low, carrying strong winds and heavy rain, was set to move over the country from the west later this week.
⚠️ Potential for a significant wintry storm this week ️
— NIWA Weather (@NiwaWeather) October 7, 2018
October has been tranquil so far, but that may change by Thu-Fri: snow, strong/gusty winds & some heavy rainfall along with a sharp cold snap is possible.
Keep an eye on the forecast! pic.twitter.com/aYDqqpabPU
A look at the mid-to-late week snow potential. Could be good news for ❄️ lovers, but bad news for lambing season.
— NIWA Weather (@NiwaWeather) October 7, 2018
A consistent risk for snow has been shown by ECMWF model, which means ⬆️ confidence. As we get closer our high resolution model will better pinpoint snow.
~Chris pic.twitter.com/c7NflcbbAX
The gale winds are likely to affect eastern areas of the South Island and southern North Island late Thursday and during Friday, MetService said on its website.
Pūhoro (bad) weather ahead. A system develops from the south this week, bringing significant wind, rain and even snow to some places.https://t.co/qHyE5zhh6X for Severe weather details.
— MetService (@MetService) October 7, 2018
Here's the current forecast wind, rain and snow.
^Tui pic.twitter.com/keuJAMDTcn
