Snow has been forecast for Canterbury High Country and Plains.

Blue Skies Weather & Climate Services said  a brief period of cold on-shore southeasterly airflow will bring a period of mid level snow later on Thursday.

For farmers, expect a period of snow above 500m on Thursday, starting during the afternoon and clearing early Friday morning. Expect accumulations of 3-5cm above 500m, and 5-10cm above 700m.

For travellers, there may be some minor disruption to mountain passes Thursday evening and Thursday night.