Snow flurries bro, it’s just winter’s frosty farewell
The snowstorm which blanketed parts of the South Island is releasing its grasp on the island but the unsettled weather isn’t over yet.
Rain, wind and a little bit of sunshine are all expected across the country today and tomorrow. Northland, in particular, could be in for a wet day with a weather watch for heavy rain today and tomorrow.
A snowstorm bashed the South Island yesterday forcing the cancellation of several flights out of Queenstown Airport, power cuts throughout the region and schools to close.
Ski resorts in the area were topped with 45cm of fresh powder snow on Sunday night and it continued to snow throughout the day.
However, MetService meteorologist Andy Best said the cold snap was set to move away from the South Island last night, and today should become mainly fine.
MetService said the flurry of snow should not come as a surprise despite winter officially being over — cold southerly outbreaks are not uncommon at the start of September.
For those of us further north, rain is expected in Northland, parts of Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula, and northern parts of Gisborne today and could even reach the threshold for a weather warning.
A severe weather watch for heavy rain is in place for Northland from 6am today until 6am tomorrow.
Strong east to southeast winds are expected with exposed coastal areas of Northland, Great Barrier Island, the Coromandel Peninsula and parts of the Bay of Plenty in the firing line.