Live Weather: Heavy snowfall in the south; may fall in Christchurch, Dunedin

A winter blast will spread across the country over the next two days, with temperatures below freezing and the possibility of heavy snowfall.

MetService says the “nasty” winter front could cause record temperatures in October.

Niwa Weather warns that there could be a real risk of hypothermia for people and livestock and urged people not to underestimate the cold.

“Dress in layers. If you don’t have to go out [it’s] it’s best not to, to avoid the exposure,” said Niwa meteorologist Chris Brandolino. “Wear a hat. Most of the heat in your body is lost through your head.”

The “effective temperature” in parts of the South Island will drop to between -5C and -10C on Thursday morning, the agency predicts.