26 June 2007

Severe frosts and freezing fogs were expected to make driving even more treacherous around the southern region during next few days, a forecaster said.

MetService weather ambassador Bob McDavitt said drivers needed to take extra caution with patches of black ice likely, especially in the shadows.

Airports near rivers and lakes, such as Te Anau, Wanaka, Queenstown and Dunedin, would be prone to freezing fog conditions.

In some instances these conditions may cause delays, he said.

"A wintry anticyclone is expected to cross the country from Tuesday to Thursday", Mr McDavitt said.

"This will bring clear skies at night with light winds.

"Many Southland and Otago roads are still cold and wet from recent snow.

"Conditions will be conducive to the formation of patches of black ice, especially in the shadows.

Fog and frost were typical of a New Zealand winter, Mr McDavitt said.

"Drivers will need to exercise extra caution on the roads when they find these conditions occuring together."



SOURCE: DYLAN THORNE - Southland Times