A bitter chill is moving up the South Island tonight, with snowexpected to fall in Otago and Southland. MetService said gale southwesterlies lashing parts of the Catlinsand Otago Peninsula this evening are expected to reach BanksPeninsula early tomorrow morning. Snow showers are expected to near sea level in Southland andeastern Otago and to 200 metres about Banks Peninsula tonight. Around 5-10cm of snow could accumulate above 300-400 metres in theClutha District, including the Catlins, and on Banks Peninsula.
The snow showers are expected to ease in eastern Otago andSouthland tomorrow morning, and in Banks Peninsula in theafternoon. Meteorologist Dan Corbett predicts that, “while snow over the eastand south of the South Island is not expected to be nearly aswidespread or heavy as last week’s, the combination of strongwinds, low temperatures and showery conditions will feel seriouslychilly.” The Chatham Islands will also be affected, with wintry conditionsexpected over the next few days. “The Chathams will bear the brunt of the cold southwesterlies withvery strong winds, squally thunderstorms, hail and sleet from timeto time,” Corbett said. Around 1-2cm of snow is expected to fall on Desert Rd overnight,and a further 1 to 2cm could accumulate on the road above 700metres tomorrow afternoon.A bitter chill is moving up the south island tonight, with snowexpected. – China Through Panel
