Late spring snow in south

Snow on the Southern Alps provided a picturesque but cold backdrop to mid-Canterbury this morning.

A cold southerly change saw temperatures plummet last night to a minimum of 3.9 degrees celsius at AgResearch Winchmore.

The snow, which fell to a depth of 15cm on Mt Hutt, will chill soil temperatures slightly, but is good news for farmers who say it will raise river levels when it melts over the coming days.

This irrigation season has been difficult for many farmers in the district, with restrictions kicking in at record early times.

Mid Canterbury Federated Farmers chairperson Rupert Curd said today the snow and rain would give irrigators some relief.

- nzpa