Many Central residents woke to snow this morning (Saturday, July 1) and more is expected through to Monday morning, with pockets of fine weather interspersed.

MetService issues a severe weather watch this morning, predicting periods of heavy snow for the southern South Island. 

The regional forecast was partly cloudy with morning frosts and isolated showers south of Alexandra, turning to snow in the afternoon, heavy in the south Southwesterlies developing in the afternoon could be strong or gale in exposed places.

Meteorologist David Miller said there were a few showers mainly in the south of Central Otago late in the morning, with a heavy snow warning for the weekend.

The cold southwest flow would affect the southern South Island through to Monday morning. There were several troughs embedded in the flow, which were forecast to bring snow to low levels over the southern South Island. 

“It won’t be days of snow,” David said. “There will be pockets of snow and pockets of sun.”

Naseby residents woke to snow this morning.

Residents of Alexandra experienced a light dusting of snow, with Naseby locals welcoming a heavier fall.

Naseby General Store part owner Paul Sullivan said the roads had been graded and the snow was blanketing the town.

“It’s lovely,” he said. “It’s now looking like we love Naseby to look.”

Ida Valley back road 11 am this morning

Metservice Heavy Snow Warning - Orange

Otago south of line from Queenstown to Alexandra and Mosgiel. Expect periods of heavy snow above about 300 metres, with some falls down to near sea level.

The heaviest snow is expected from Saturday evening through to Sunday evening, where 20 to 35 cm of snow is expected above about 300m, with lesser amounts down to near sea level.

Heavy snow may disrupt travel in affected areas and could damage trees and powerlines. Cold conditions may cause stress for livestock.

Keep up to date with the latest road and weather information on The Central App’s Roads l Weather l Reports section.