Central residents have had weather extremes in recent days: gale force winds bringing trees down in Cromwell and Lowburn on Thursday (September 21), while on Wednesday Roxburgh recorded a temperature of 25.2’C.

An evacuation centre was set up in Queenstown and 20 houses were evacuated last night following heavy rain and flooding.

Today (Friday September 22) there is a heavy snow watch until 8pm for Central and Queenstown Lakes at higher elevations. 

Rain continues throughout the district requiring residents to drive with caution and stay up to date on The Central App special road report for changes in road closures. Special road report - updated 6.25am

MetService meteorologist Thapi Makgabutlane said things should be a lot calmer for the weekend.

“Temperatures also take a dip, reaching daytime maximums of between 11 and 12 degrees.”

MetService issued a heavy snow watch (at 9pm yesterday) for Central, Queenstown Lakes and south of a line from Wānaka to Ranfurly. Rain is expected to turn to snow above 600 metres and heavy snowfall is possible above 800 metres.

The Crown Range Rd and Lindis Pass both have road snowfall warnings in place until the afternoon and early evening. 

Thousands of people are expected to attend the 66th Alexandra Blossom Festival this weekend. With a huge range of activities and spectacles on offer, from a freestyle motocross display to local kiwi bands, careful planning is a must. 

The ferris wheel was the first ride in Pioneer Park yesterday, pictured prior to the southerly change. PHOTO: The Central App

Visitors and locals alike need to have their warmer wind and rainproof jackets to hand with a few showers in the forecast for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. 

For tonight’s Mardi Gras (at the Linger and Die Reserve, Rivers Street from 6-8pm) the rain showers should have passed but it will remain cloudy. 

Temperatures are forecast to drop to 6’C around 6pm Friday with a light southeasterly wind. 

MetService forecast for Alexandra for the coming days. PHOTO: Supplied

The school holidays are kicking off and those travelling can check roads and weather on The Central App Reports button.

Regarding Blossom Festival, The Central App will check with the official organisers of the event, and keep you informed here.