Snow, sleet and rain is falling across parts of Central this morning prompting calls for motorists to drive to the conditions.

Today’s MetService forecast is for snow showers throughout the day, clearing in the evening, with a high of 7 degrees Celsius.

By 8.30am snow was falling across parts of the Ida Valley and Omakau.

Snow falling in Omakau this morning, which has since stopped and made way to patches of blue sky. PHOTO: The Central App

Snow was also settling on Moa Flat Rd. Although it was still open, the Central Otago District Council urged motorists to take “extreme care”.

MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris said most of Central is at risk of seeing snow showers today.

“More likely in the south and east due to the direction the wind and showers are coming from. Amounts will vary across the region, lower places might just see a few flakes while higher areas could get a few centimetres and the hills/ski fields will be in for a lot more. But given the showery nature of the snow it won't be an even blanket across the region.”

The risk of snow diminishes overnight into Tuesday.

He said the Canterbury snow was the first injection of cold air which met the warm air from the north, which is a good snow making setup. 

Today’s snow is from a secondary, even colder air mass, which has come off Antarctica - “hence why it is so cold!”.

A heavy snow watch is in place for Central Otago, south of Lake Wakatipu and Roxburgh, Clutha, Southland, Stewart Island, and Fiordland south of George Sound.

Snow started settling in the Maniototo early this morning. PHOTO: Supplied/Fulton Hogan

Those areas are expected to see frequent showers and strong southwesterlies, with snow to low levels.

People in those areas should prepare for heavy snow at times above 300 metres, where snowfall may approach warning criteria in places.

MetService warns that snow in those areas below 300 metres could cause disruption, possibly affecting roads.

Lewis said hard frosts will be back on the cards as high pressure moves in, which will bring the clear skies and light winds needed to see overnight temperatures plummet.

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