Coastal communities are likely to escape the worst of the chill. In some inland townships that usually experience balmy temperatures in the low 30s at this time of year daytime maxima could struggle to reach the high teens, with the temperature change occurring within 24 hours across Wednesday and Thursday.
The chilly blast is expected to arrive on the mountains on the afternoon of Saturday October 15, lasting into early Sunday morning. Elsewhere the weather will be heavy rain, conditions being wet and windy according to the Met Office.