It is officially the start of autumn and Central Otago will experience wind, rain and a drop in temperatures this week, according to MetService. 

Cromwell-raised MetService Meteorologist Lewis Ferris says “the first week of meteorological autumn looks messy”. 

Central Otago will experience rain and cool weather this week, as several frontal systems move over the South Island. 

“While the beginning of March marks the end of meteorological summer, I do recall Central Otago is known to put on a stellar March,” Lewis says. 

“While this week sees a rapid succession of frontal systems pass over the country – it’s not until late this week that the conditions turn cooler and wetter for Central.

“It looks likely to remain relatively cloudy throughout the week with a sprinkling of wet weather most days. 

“Monday and Tuesday are the warmest with 27C forecast for Alexandra.”

Lewis says rain will be the order of the week, as the fronts pass through the region.

Temperatures will also drop to single digits throughout the week. 

“A front passes over on Friday which looks to bring the best shot for widespread rain, albeit not large amounts by the looks. 

“This cools thing down a bit but it’s on the weekend when winds are forecast to turn southwest which brings in a cooler period with Sunday forecast just a high of 15C.”