Snow expected to low levels in South Island

Low level snow is on the way for the South Island.

Snow is expected down to low levels in the South Island this weekend, continuing the wintry conditions which have marked a miserable start to spring.

A weather advisory has been issued by MetService for snow down to sea level in Southland, Clutha and Dunedin.

A "very cold" southwest flow is set to spread over the southern South Island on Saturday, prompting a return of winter woollies.

While snowfalls are not expected to be heavy enough to warrant a snow warning, 5 to 10cm of snow may accumulate in Southland, Clutha and Dunedin above about 200 metres, MetService said.

Southwest winds are likely to rise to gale force about the coast and hilltops during Saturday.

Farmers have been warned to "prepare for strong winds and snowy conditions, and shelter any vulnerable livestock".

Motorists have also been advised to take care, as snowfalls may affect some roads in Southland and Otago.

The North Island meanwhile, will see a damp weekend, with showers in most places.

MetService meteorologist Dan Corbett said weather would "gradually settle down after quite an active week".

"A lingering low will make it a damp start to the weekend across the North Island, but elsewhere it should be improving with the exception of a few showers in places," he said.

"A passing trough will usher in some colder air down south with some wintry showers to low levels by Saturday night.

"On Sunday a large high to the west of New Zealand will move a bit closer, allowing the fine and more settled weather to gradually work in from the west during the day.

"Temperatures by the end of the weekend will be a bit cooler across most of the country as a southwesterly flow moves in."