The MetService has issued a heavy snow warning for inland Southland, Central Otago and inland Clutha, with thunderstorms hitting the lower half of the South Island this morning.
Photo: Supplied / Ian Telfer
A hail storm has pelted parts of Dunedin, and a MetService meteorologist Tui McInnes said snow is due to fall in Canterbury high country, Southland, and parts of Fiordland.
He said snow is expected to fall between 400 and 500 metres in those areas.
MetService said a heavy snow warning is in force for inland Southland, Central Otago and inland Clutha.
Snow may disrupt travel in the affected areas and could damage trees and powerlines, it said. It also warned farmers that the cold conditions may stress livestock.
There are also severe thunderstorm watches in place for the Canterbury plains, Canterbury high country and North Otago.
MetService said the thunderstorms could be accompanied by very heavy rain, large hail and damaging wind gusts with possible tornadoes.