Another cold snap on the way

FINE SPELL: Glenys Dean, Napier, enjoys the fine weather, fishing on the Ngaruroro River. More of the same is expected today ahead of a cold southerly. PHOTO/DUNCAN BROWN

Residents should make the most of today's fine weather, as another Antarctic blast is on the way - bringing snowfall and freezing temperatures.

"Enjoy it while it lasts" was the message from WeatherWatch.co.nz head weather analyst Philip Duncan. He said mild, dry and sunny conditions were expected today, with a high of 16 to 17C.

The twin cities also revelled in mild weather yesterday, and Napier scooped the title of the country's warmest city in the afternoon, with a high of 17.7C.

But there was a weekend of "unsettled weather" ahead.

"[Tomorrow] a Tasman Sea low will deepen and cross the country, and there'll be heavy rain across the North Island."

MetService meteorologist Rob Kerr said the rain would likely be concentrated about the northern Ranges.

There was also a chance of northeasterly gales in exposed places on Saturday.

Meanwhile, another Antarctic southerly would arrive in the region on Sunday, Mr Duncan said, causing a drop in temperatures of several degrees, and snowfall down to 200-300m. It would be similar to the freezing southerly which saw snow fall throughout Hawke's Bay last week.

"My worry is, will the snowfalls continue into spring?" he said. "Once you get towards August you get lambs being born, and snow storms and cold snaps can cause losses of livestock. Once we get out of this month, snow becomes a more serious headline."

The early lambing season has begun in Hawke's Bay and animals born during snowfall may not survive.

He said it would be "very cold" on Sunday, with a chance of maximum temperatures in the single digits.

Mr Kerr said snow showers at low levels on Sunday morning would probably affect the Napier-Taupo Road.

The inclement weather would clear by Monday, although frosty starts were likely early next week.