Temperatures tumble as snow and rain fall on inland south

<p>Flooding and snow has struck state highways in the lower South Island, as MetService warns of "a real change to what we've seen over the last few days". </p> <p>A <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/09/14/spring-weather-whiplash-snow-rain-and-a-wintry-chill-forecast/" target="_blank">cold front</a> over the southern South Island was forecast to move northwards and was expected to bring a period of heavy rain to Fiordland and the Westland ranges, and heavy snow to low levels for inland Otago and the Mackenzie Basin today.</p> <p>The New Zealand Transport Agency this afternoon said roading crews were assessing snow on SH6 between Lowther and Parawa in Southland.