• Summer snow is falling on Mt Hutt as cold southerlies hit the South Island.
• Temperatures have dropped by four degrees in some areas, with Gore reaching a maximum of 15C.
• MetService meteorologists say the weather is not unheard, but still “unusual”.

Summer snow is falling on Mt Hutt as cold southerlies barrel across the South Island.

Maximum temperatures have dropped by four degrees in some places compared to previous years.

MetService meteorologist Jon Law said a change in wind direction is also assisting in ushering in balmy summer temperatures.

“The change in wind direction is also leading to another cold-feeling day to parts of the South Island and the lower North Island.”

He said places like Gore will see maximum temperatures of around 15C today, four degrees lower than the average for this time of year.

“Another place that will especially notice the change to cold southerlies this afternoon is the Hutt Valley, yesterday the temperatures in Upper Hutt reached almost 28C, compared to their forecast high of just 19C today.”

Metservice meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said the snow was not unheard of “but definitely a little unusual”.

She said the weather patterns were atypical for January which usually sees high-pressure systems prevailing and more “settled” weather.

“It looks like we are in a more active weather time for January.”

Earlier this month, cold weather delivered a white coat to the top of the Ruahine and Kaweka ranges which are normally only sprinkled for the first time each year in April.

MetService meteorologist Luis Fernandes said the snow had been caused by low pressure and cool southerly air.

“It’s a combination of that low moving through and cold southerly air pushing in and it just getting cold enough for a little bit of snow to fall in that area.”