March 13

Mid Canterbury had a preview of winter yesterday, with many wanting to stay snug under the bedcovers as the mercury dropped to 5.3°C.

The Ashburton District Council's weather site logged the day's low at 7.19am; the previous morning the temperature had been 9.6°C. Mt Hutt was dusted with fresh snow. By midday yesterday the temperature had risen to 10.9°C, with about 1.2mm of rain recorded.

Mid Canterbury Federated Farmers president said the moisture was welcome.

"It has been getting drier around the county so a little bit of wet without chilling down too much will not be of concern to anyone."

The cold start was no indication winter was on its way early, he said.

Farmers have been busy working up paddocks after harvest and preparing to put in winter crops.