Monday & Tuesday (5th & 6th August)

Monday morning clouds will dissipate, giving way to a pleasant day with westerly winds, which will ease early in Canterbury.

Tuesday will be another great day, with the exception of some morning clouds in the Southern Lakes, where NW winds will be strong at higher altitudes. Canterbury will have slight winds.

Wednesday to Friday (7th to 9th August)

Wednesday will see Increasing cloud cover across the South Island which will be accompanied by strengthening NW winds, reaching gale force in some areas. Snow showers will start to move over the Main Divide in the afternoon, with heavier snowfall occurring after dark. Mt Hutt and Porter's Pass should only get light rain and snow showers in the evening.

The Southern Lakes will have a clear morning with a westerly breeze on Thursday, but an afternoon shift to brisk southerly winds will bring clouds and a few light snow flurries.

In Canterbury, morning rain and high-level snow showers will clear as strong NW winds decrease. A cold southerly change in the afternoon will bring back snow showers.

On Friday, a low-pressure system may form over the North Island, leading to light snow in central Canterbury. Heavier snowfall in the north could bring significant snow to Mt Lyford. Mt Ruapehu is also expected to receive a much-needed snowfall.

Thanks for reading. I'll continue to provide these forecasts every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday throughout the southern hemisphere season.

Mike O'Connor