Bitterly cold: Spring snow in New Zealand

Spring is getting underway in the southern hemisphere, but for New Zealand bitterly cold air and snow is blasting through the country.

During this time of year, average temperatures in New Zealand should be between 17-21C. However on Thursday October 6th, a number of weather stations recorded their lowest ever October temperatures.

This is owing to polar air blasting across the country, as Taumarunui saw temperatures plummet to -4.2C, whilst Saint Arnaud dropped to a chilly -6.3C, alongside snow showers.

As for the Chatham Islands, a collection of islands off the coast of New Zealand's South Island, temperatures during this time of year are usually nearer to 13C.

The islands have a humid subtropical climate for the notorious lack of cold weather during the winter and a daily mean temperature above 10C for three quarters of the year.

However, temperatures were around 2-3C for most of Thursday October 6th, alongside rare snow showers down the sea level.

Through the weekend and early next week, temperatures should be recovering nearer to normal as the southerly flow turns to a warmer northerly.