New Zealand Daily Snow
By Mike O'Connor, Meteorologist Posted 9 months ago September 22, 2024
A Few More Fast Moving Fronts Bring More Snow, Rain & Wind
Summary
The Southern Lakes received fresh snow over the weekend, with Treble Cone accumulating 81cm for the week. Canterbury had a dusting, and Mt Ruapehu gained 10-15cm. On Monday, the Southern Lakes will get another 5-10cm, while Canterbury and Mt Ruapehu will see snow only at higher elevations. More fronts are expected later in the week, bringing rain and winds, followed by light snow.
Short Term Forecast
Monday & Tuesday (23rd & 24th September)
On Monday, the Southern Lakes will get 5-10cm of snow early, followed by a mostly clear day with high clouds and brisk westerlies. Another front tonight will bring a mix of rain and snow. Canterbury will experience early rain and high-elevation snow, clearing by mid-morning with easing gale winds and high clouds.
Mt Ruapehu will start with low clouds on the lower slopes, but clear skies above, with showers arriving later, bringing snow at mid and high elevations along with brisk westerly winds.
On Tuesday, rain will change to snow showers in the Southern Lakes, clearing Wanaka in the morning and Queenstown later in the afternoon. Canterbury will see clear skies as overnight rain clears by opening time and winds ease. Mt Ruapehu will have more showers, with snow at higher elevations and strong winds.
Wednesday to Friday (25th to 27th September)
On Wednesday, the Southern Lakes will be cloudy with increasing northwest winds, leading to nighttime snow showers that turn to rain as warmer air moves in. Canterbury will stay fine with high clouds and building northwest winds. Mt Ruapehu will enjoy a sunny day, with southerly winds easing and light westerlies developing by afternoon.
Thursday will be rough for the South Island, with heavy rain and gale-force northwest winds. A colder westerly change will bring snow to low levels by midday in the Southern Lakes and by evening in Canterbury, clearing by night. Mt Ruapehu will see clouds build in the morning, followed by afternoon rain and strengthening northwest winds.
On Friday, cold southwesterlies will bring partly sunny and cloudy skies to the South Island. These cold winds will reach Mt Ruapehu, turning heavy rain into lighter snow showers.
Extended Forecast
Southwest winds will continue across the country over the weekend, but conditions will generally be fine and dry as high pressure moves in from the west. This high is expected to settle over the country early next week, shifting winds to the northwest ahead of the next weather system, which should arrive a day or two later.
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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