New Zealand Daily Snow
By Mike O'Connor, Meteorologist Posted 10 months ago August 28, 2024
Strong Winds & Unsettled Weather Continues
Summary
The South Island has had great conditions since Sunday’s snow, with clear weather until tonight when strong winds and rain arrive. Mt Ruapehu gets some snow today. Unsettled weather continues into next week, bringing frequent fronts and strong winds, causing disruptions. Most resorts should receive 5-10cm of snow on upper slopes on Thursday and Friday, with slightly less at Mt Ruapehu.
Short Term Forecast
Wednesday to Friday (28th to 30th August)
South Island resorts will enjoy a clear morning on Wednesday, but clouds will gather in the afternoon as northwest winds pick up, reaching gale force by evening in exposed areas. Rain is expected to start overnight. At Mt Ruapehu, rain falling as snow on the upper slopes will gradually diminish through the afternoon and clear by evening. Strong westerly winds will ease slightly and shift southwest in the morning.
Northwest winds will bring rain across the Main Divide throughout Thursday, which will gradually turn to snow down to base levels in the Southern Lakes and mid-to-upper slopes in Canterbury. Resorts closest to the Main Divide will see the most snowfall. Severe gale winds in exposed areas of Canterbury will likely disrupt lift operations. Mt Ruapehu will face challenging weather, with gale to severe gale northwest winds and showers building into heavy rain. Unfortunately, snow levels will be too high for any significant snowfall.
On Friday, any leftover snow showers at South Island resorts will clear by dawn, leaving a mostly fine day. However, northwest winds will still be at gale force in exposed parts of Canterbury. Snow will return at night, but will quickly turn to rain. On Mt Ruapehu, showers will fall as snow above 1700m, with strong northwest winds persisting.
The Weekend (31st August & 1st September)
On Saturday a front moves up the country, preceded by heavy rain and strong northwest winds, which will reach gale force in the Southern Lakes and severe gale in Canterbury and Mt Ruapehu, likely disrupting operations. Skies will clear, and winds will ease a little behind the front on Saturday afternoon for the South Island and on Sunday morning for Mt Ruapehu. However, northwest winds will strengthen again over the South Island on Sunday, reaching gale force in exposed areas again, while another front spreads rain and high-level snow northwards that night.
Extended Forecast
The weather will continue to be unsettled as a strong westerly flow drives in a series of fronts. Be prepared for possible disruptions and adjust your plans as needed. A front early next week will bring cooler air and some snow from Tuesday into Wednesday.
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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