The mild double digit mornings of Monday and Tuesday have u-turned to be sub-zero for Central as winter makes its presence felt. 

Despite the colder week ahead, the season is as a whole is predicted to be warmer than average.

The temperatures for the next few days in Central. Source: MetService

The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) released its winter outlook on May 30 predicting a warmer than average winter with above or normal rainfall for Central Otago.

NIWA principal forecaster Chris Brandolino said maybe people would be running the heater less often, or not wearing the puffer jacket as much.

“If you’re a snow enthusiast it may be a bit of a bummer season. [But] perhaps more days outdoors where it’s more palatable.”

“The odds for a banner snow year [are] not looking ripe,” he said.

Despite forecasting generally warmer temperatures, cold snaps and frosts will still happen but they will be less frequent.

Chris said June 7-9 would likely bring a cold snap with possibly a threat of snow at low elevation. 

“Our air flow is expected to favour the northerly quarter… if it’s going to get cold you need southerlies… and there is going to be a lack of southerlies this winter season.”

For Central rainfall totals are about equally likely to be near normal or above normal.

Soil moisture levels and river flows are about equally likely to be near normal (or above normal) for the three month period.

For drivers, there is a road snowfall warning for the Lindis Pass (SH8) from midnight Wednesday until Thursday, 8am.

Snow is expected from late Wednesday night about the summit then lowering during Thursday morning, especially on the northern side. Two to five cm of snow could accumulate at the summit during Thursday morning, with lesser amounts down to 500 metres.

Naseby blanketed in snow on Friday morning. Photo: Naseby General Store/RNZ

Photo opportunities aplenty in Central; this Aurora display was snapped in Earnscleugh during Kings Birthday weekend. Photo: Kate Snape

Sunshine over the weekend for walkers in Central Lakes. PHOTO: The Central App

Check the Roads report for up to date information prior to travel.

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