SI farmers advised to prepare for cold snap

WELLINGTON: South Island farmers are being warned to prepare as one of the biggest polar blasts of the year edges closer.

WeatherWatch.co.nz head forecaster Philip Duncan said a southerly storm would arrive from the Antarctic early next week.

‘‘This looks to be one of the more significant southerlies of 2018, at least for the lower part of New Zealand.

‘‘At this stage, Monday to Thursday next week looks wintry in the lower half of the South Island and while there will be some colder, windier, rougher weather in other parts of the country, the lower portion of the South Island most exposed [will have] a brief return to winter conditions.’’

Southland and Otago were likely to be hardest hit, with snow flurries potentially settling down to 200m, and even towards sea level in isolated cases.

The main concern was for farmers with newborn stock, Mr Duncan said.

‘‘Snowstorms in September and October are incredibly normal, but the timing is extremely poor for growers and farmers.

‘‘Daytime highs will be miserable, along with wintry, damp, southerlies.

‘‘Whether it’s snow flurries or just wintry rain showers the reality is that this will be a miserable week for livestock in the lower South Island, especially newborn lambs, with daytime highs next Wednesday ranging from just 3degC to 9degC.’’ — NZME