A mild start to winter is in store for Central Otago as it heads into the new season this long weekend.

Recent chilly starts will make way for warmer temperatures across the district, with a predicted high of 19 degrees Celsius today for Alexandra - on what will be the first day of winter.

MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said the warmer temperatures will be the result of northwesterly winds.

“This rise in temperatures is due to the “foehn” effect where air is forced to rise on the west of the mountains and cools down (often resulting rainfall there), while by the time that air makes it over to the eastern side, it is dry and compresses and warms up as it descends down the mountain.”

The weather outlook over the next few days in Alexandra features milder than usual temperatures. IMAGE: MetService

However, she said as the weather system arrives and moves northwards over the South Island, winds behind it switch to a cooler southwesterly during the latter half Saturday and temperatures cool back down to what would typically be expected for June.

She said the northwesterly winds associated with the approaching weather system “are expected to have some punch to them”, and a Strong Wind Watch is place from early Saturday until about 1pm.

Winds in exposed areas could approach severe gale, with gusts of 90km/h or more.

She said in more populated areas, or on stretches of road the winds will be felt quite strongly, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles. 

Mmathapelo urges people to secure items that can be picked up by strong winds and take extra care on the roads. 

She said temperatures were expected to return to average June values for the rest of the weekend into the first part of next week. 

“At this stage there doesn't seem to be any sharp temperature drop on the horizon just yet, and no major snow-makers, apart from next Thursday, which could possibly bring a dip in temperatures and some brief snow.”

To keep up to date with the latest weather reports for your town visit The Central App’s Weather & Reports button.

And, remember to check the Roads button to check conditions before travelling this long weekend.