Cold fronts bring wind and snow to start of school holidays

A series of cold fronts is set to bring frosty, wet, and windy conditions across New Zealand as school holidays begin. Sunday is expected to be the most intense day, with a fast-moving front likely to bring heavy rain, snow, and severe winds.

Meteorologist Heather Keats noted that Sunday could be "really interesting" due to the active front. Heavy snow is possible above 500m in Southland, Otago, and Canterbury, while snow above 600m is possible in Central Otago, Southern Lakes, and the Canterbury High Country.

Strong winds are forecast for various regions, including southwest gales for coastal Clutha, Christchurch, and the Kaikōura coast. Northwesterly gales are expected across Cook Strait, Wairarapa, and southern Hawke's Bay.

MetService has issued a Heavy Rain Watch for the Tararua Range on Sunday. Strong Wind Watches are also in place for Hawke's Bay south of Hastings, the Tararua District, Wairarapa north of Masterton, Horowhenua-Kāpiti, Wellington, and the Marlborough Sounds.

How it developed

• Fri 25 Sep, 12:09pmMetService issued specific watches and warnings for the Tararua Range, Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa, and the Marlborough Sounds.

Where reports differ

• Reports differ on the altitude for potential snow, with one stating above 500m and another stating above 600m.

Compiled from reports by NZ Herald, 1News, Otago Daily Times and Stuff.