Cold front to bring temperature drop after warm spring weather

A cold front from the Southern Ocean is expected to cause a significant drop in temperatures across much of New Zealand later this week. This follows a period of unseasonably warm weather driven by northwesterly winds.

Temperatures in Christchurch are forecast to fall from 27C on Tuesday to just 11C by Friday. In Hawke's Bay, Hastings is predicted to drop from 28C on Wednesday to 14C on Friday. Auckland is expected to see a gradual decline from 22C to 16C by Saturday.

The approaching front will bring heavy rain and potential snow on higher South Island roads and in the central North Island. MetService has issued an orange heavy rain warning for Buller, where slips and surface flooding are possible. Heavy rain watches are also in place for the Westland and Grey District ranges, North Otago, Dunedin, and Clutha.

Meteorologist Luis Fernandes noted that such volatile temperature swings are typical for the spring transition season. Conditions are expected to become more settled by Sunday as a ridge of high pressure moves across the country.

How it developed

• Tue 13 Oct, 12:10pmMetService predicts more settled conditions by Sunday as high pressure moves in.

Where reports differ

• Reports vary on the warmest temperature for Christchurch today, with one reporting 27C and another 24C

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