Snow

Another another chilly day is in store across much of the country as a polar blast dumped snow and closed roads in the South Island, and the freezing ...

WEATHER LATEST * Go slow on Auckland's Harbour Bridge as strong wind gusts sweep through Super City * Brief snow flurry as far north as Taupō in the late ...

It is the first time Christchurch has seen October snow since October 10, 1969. State Highway 1, the Northern Motorway from Dunedin, was also closed late last night. Snow showers are expected to become isolated by this afternoon - turning to rain showers below 400m. A high of 8C and an overnight low of 5C is on the cards in Dunedin. The snow had potential to settle, with the two biggest factors being the quantity of snowfall and the temperature of the ground. At least one area broke a record overnight. Excitement gripped Auckland's CBD as what looked like snow flurries lasted all of a minute about 1.20pm. The city is forecast to have showers and strong winds in some places and a high of 13C today. The temperature in Wellington was 4.2C by 8.30am, but had a "feels like" temperature of -1C and locals were advised to wear up to four layers of clothing. The polar blast is causing unseasonal, single-digit temperatures across the South Island and into the North Island today - including Auckland, where the temperature in some parts of the city was 9C at 7am. The Desert Rd in the central North Island is closed, one of a number of state highways and other roads that have been affected by the freezing temperatures and snow. An icy blast is making its way up the North Island, spreading snow flurries north of Wellington and icy falls in Taranaki.