An Antarctic polar vortex will bring snow near sea level to much of the lower South Island on Monday. The cold air will affect the whole country, causing strong winds, hail showers, and thunderstorms.
In the South Island, around 50 people were stuck in Arthur’s Pass Village on Sunday due to the closure of State Highway 73. Crews are working to reopen the road on Monday morning.
Niwa Meteorologist Ben Noll warned of very cold temperatures, saying people should dress warmly. He noted that afternoon temperatures could be in the low single digits, making frostbite a risk.
A heavy snow warning is in effect from 2 am to 9 pm Monday for Central Otago south of Lake Wakatipu and Roxburgh, as well as Clutha, Southland, Stewart Island, and Fiordland south of George Sound. Dunedin is also expected to see snow, mainly on hills above 100 meters where it may settle.
