Antarctic Blast Buries New Zealand in Snow | Rare Sea-Level Snowfall

An Antarctic polar blast swept across New Zealand's South Island on Tuesday (August 4), bringing snow to sea level, freezing temperatures and widespread travel disruptions. The cold snap blanketed Dunedin, the South Island's second-largest city, in snow, prompting police to urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel due to icy and hazardous road conditions. Snowfall at sea level is rare in Dunedin, making the weather event particularly unusual. The severe conditions forced the cancellation of all bus services in Dunedin, while ferry services between New Zealand's North and South Islands were suspended because of strong winds and heavy swells. Some schools and roads were also affected by the wintry weather.