Snow Forecast for Canterbury High Country and Plains:

Snow is on the way for parts of Otago and Canterbury.

Blue Skies Weather says an active trough of low pressure is expected to intensify over Otago and Canterbury tomorrow bringing heavy rain, turning to snow.

Further spells of snow will arrive on Sunday and again on Wednesday next week.

For farmers:

Rain tomorrow may become heavy at times during the morning, especially inland on the foothills and western Plains. Expect heavy rain turning to snow in South Canterbury by early tomorrow afternoon, Mid Canterbury late afternoon, and North Canterbury in the evening. The snow level will fall from above 500m initially to 300m by early evening. Expect 5-10cm accumulations above 300m, with a risk of greater amounts in drifts. Falls of 10-20cm are likely above 500m. Some snow may fall on the Plains below 300m but is unlikely to accumulate. Blue

Skies Weather says on Sunday expect light snowfalls to develop during the afternoon to 500m, with 3-5cm accumulations likely by early Sunday evening. 

Another brief period of light snow flurries is possible on Wednesday to 300m.

For travellers:

Southern passes may be affected by snow from early afternoon tomorrow, while northern passes may be affected from tomorrow evening and into Saturday morning.

Snow may also affect roads on the Canterbury foothills and possibly also the western plains late in the day tomorrow. 

Another period of snow may affect the passes during the afternoon and evening on Sunday. A further brief snowfall may affect passes Tuesday night or early Wednesday. 

Elsewhere:

Some heavy rain and snow to moderate levels in Otago may affect roads and passes there. Snow now looks unlikely in Marlborough tomorrow or Saturday, but expect a fall there to moderate levels on Sunday.