A cold front which passed through Central Otago overnight has brought snow down to 500m. 

Maniototo township Oturehua received 10mm of snow, with local farmer Fraser McKnight grateful for a bit of moisture. 

“Wet and cold at the moment a balmy 5°C,” Fraser said. “But good moisture needed really. Maybe 10mm of snow at Oturehua hasn’t lasted long though. 

“Started snowing about 8:30am and finished now. Won’t hang around, ground temperature is too high.”

Ida Valley farmer Fraser McKnight said he received 10mm of snow from 8.30am this morning. 

MetService Meteorologist Thapi Makgabutlane said the front has brought rain and snow, and behind it a cooler airmass.

“We have a cold front that is currently making its way up the South Island. 

“This front is bringing rain across much of the South Island. Behind the front, a cooler airmass is moving up, bringing a drop in temperatures and lowering the freezing level - the level at which the temperature goes below zero. 

“This combination of a deep moisture from the front and a cold airmass brought some snow to the region, and even down to a few hundred metres.”

A cold front brought snow and rain to the region this morning. 

Thapi said the temperatures across the region will warm up as the clouds give way to sunshine, with only scattered showers, and some snow about the hills. 

“Going forward, the rain clears for a time this afternoon, then there could be a few showers later today again, with a possible dusting of snow about higher elevations, however not much more is expected in the way of snow after dawn tomorrow. 

“Thereafter, things clear up, with mostly fine conditions for the next few days into early next week as a high pressure moves onto the country.”

Photos courtesy Fraser McKnight.