A blanket of thick fog hovering over parts of Central in recent weeks has made way to sunshine and warmer temperatures, but don’t be fooled.

Weather forecasters warn cold temperatures, rain and potential snow are expected to arrive across parts of Otago early next week.

MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane is among those watching the weather patterns closely.

“Indeed, all eyes are on a weather system expected early next week. It looks to bring wet weather [to] many parts of the South Island. While the heaviest rain areas are still to play for, Otago, Canterbury, and Marlborough are good possibilities.”

She said the weather system was “likely” to bring snow to the South Island. 

Signs of spring are in bloom in Roxburgh, but there’s still some cold weather yet to come. PHOTO: The Central App

“At this stage, heavy snow is possible over the southern Canterbury High Country and northern parts of inland Otago. Mountain passes and high-level roads could be affected. However, it is still early days, and the exact areas will depend on the movement of the weather system once it is near us.”

Parts of Central hit double digits yesterday, with unofficial reports of 16 degrees Celsius in Roxburgh, 14C in Alexandra, and 11C in Cromwell and Ranfurly.

Mmathapelo said double digits would no doubt be a “welcome change from the recent frigid conditions in Central Otago, especially in those valleys that have been under cold grey skies for weeks”.

“This increase in temperatures is being brought by a northwesterly flow ahead of a weather system this weekend, which is expected to weaken before the next system arrives on Monday, bringing the cold and wet weather mentioned above.”

Central’s daytime high temperatures are expected to remain in the double digits throughout the weekend, before dropping to 8C and 7C throughout next week.

Click on The Central App’s Weather button to keep up to date on the forecast and don’t forget to check Roads before travelling.

Read more: The Outlet: Freezing temperatures to linger in Central