New Zealand Daily Snow
By Mike O'Connor, Meteorologist Posted 11 months ago August 15, 2024
Storm to Nail Ruapehu, Icy Change Will Leave Deep Totals in N. Canterbury
Summary
This weekend, a strong low from the Tasman Sea will bring heavy rain and severe gales to the North Island, worsening conditions on Mt Ruapehu. On Sunday, cold southerlies will bring heavy snow to the South Island, especially in Canterbury, with totals ranging from 15-60cm. Monday will see icy southwesterlies adding 5-10cm of snow to both Mt Ruapehu and the Southern Lakes.
Short Term Forecast
Friday & Saturday (16th & 17th August)
South Island resorts will experience a mix of sun and clouds on Friday, with the Southern Lakes possibly seeing more cloud cover and a light snow flurry or two. Exposed areas, particularly in Canterbury, will feel strong W-NW winds. Mt Ruapehu will start with drizzle turning to rain, with snowfall mainly above 1800m, and westerly winds throughout the day.
Clouds will linger over the Southern Lakes on Saturday, while Canterbury remains dry with high clouds until rain spreads south in the evening, reaching Mt Hutt. Strong NW winds will continue in exposed areas. If Mt Ruapehu resorts are open, a morning session might be possible, but conditions will decline rapidly in the afternoon as heavy rain arrives and northerly winds increase to severe gale force. Be prepared for the worsening weather!
Sunday to Tuesday (18th to 20th August)
Rain will switch to snow in Canterbury by morning Sunday, as cold southerlies move in. Initially light, both wind and snow will intensify, with significant snowfall expected in the upper regions. Snow levels will drop to around 500m before tapering off overnight. The Southern Lakes will also get snow showers down to low levels, accompanied by icy southerly winds. Mt Ruapehu will be hit with severe gale northwesterlies and heavy rain, turning to snow at higher elevations by late in the day.
Monday will see icy W-SW winds sweep across the country in the morning, hitting gale force in exposed areas and likely disrupting lift operations. Snow showers will linger in the Southern Lakes and push north into Canterbury later in the day after a clear start. On Mt Ruapehu, rain will turn to snow showers early in the morning.
The strong, cold SW winds will start to ease across the country by Tuesday.
Extended Forecast
Wednesday will see clear and calm weather thanks to a ridge. Later in the week, conditions are expected to become unstable, with rain and strong NW winds leading up to a cold front that may bring snow by the weekend.
Thanks for reading. I'll continue to provide these forecasts every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday throughout the southern hemisphere season.
Mike O'Connor
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