A winter blast will spread across the country over the next two days, with temperatures below freezing and the possibility of heavy snowfall.
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.
CAITLIN CHERRY/Delivered
The cold southern change moves into Wellington from the south.