Meteorological spring starts tomorrow, and the unsettled weather looks to continue into the start of the new season according to MetService.

MetService meteorologist Thapi Makgabutlane said a number of weather systems cycle through, many of them with gusty northwesterlies.

“Mixed in with that are a couple of southwesterly wind changes, which bring cooler temperatures, showers, and even a possibility of snowfall, although it's still too early to say how low any snow might reach.”

Spring should see daytime temperatures rising to the mid-teens in Central Otago, with overnight temperatures hovering around the low single digits. 

Daffodils are popping up, as are clear blue skies as winter ends. PHOTO: The Central App

Thapi said springtime tends to be characterised by changeable weather as southern hemisphere weather patterns shift from winter to summer. 

“At the moment, but as the weeks roll on, we shouldn't be surprised if the weather still has a few cold outbreaks with sub-zero temperatures and frosts up its sleeve.”

If you thought this winter was a cold one, both Alexandra and Cromwell had a trend of colder average maximum and minimum temperatures than the last few years (looking back to 2021).

However, 2023 had more grey and cloud covered days compared to this year.

"Although any time the sun doesn't come out for days on end, it certainly feels pretty dreary,” Thapi said. 

NIWA released the seasonal climate outlook for spring 2024 yesterday. 

Read more: Late winter conditions continue to catch out motorists

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