Monday to Wednesday (19th to 21st August)

Cold southwest winds will bring snow showers down to low levels on Monday in the Southern Lakes, impacting roads and towns before clearing later in the day.

Canterbury resorts will start the day with clear skies, but snow showers will move northward as westerly winds shift to colder, stronger southwesterlies. Snow will drop to low levels and clear by evening.

Mt Ruapehu is set to receive substantial snowfall below base levels throughout the day, with strong west-to-southwest winds creating blizzard conditions and likely causing disruptions to lift operations.

Chilly southwest winds will remain strong in exposed areas at most resorts on Tuesday. The Southern Lakes will have some cloud cover, while Canterbury will experience clear and sunny conditions. Mt Ruapehu will continue to see snow showers throughout the day.

All Kiwi resorts will enjoy a sunny day on Wednesday. A northwest breeze will develop over the South Island, while the southwest breeze on Mt Ruapehu will gradually diminish.

Thursday & Friday (22nd & 23rd August)

Gale-force northwesterly winds will sweep across the South Island on Thursday and Friday, leading to mostly overcast skies and likely causing some lift operations to be disrupted. Rain will arrive in the Southern Lakes during the afternoon and reach Canterbury by evening.

Mt Ruapehu is expected to have a nice day, with some clouds developing in the afternoon and a light northwest breeze.

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

Mike O'Connor