New Zealand Daily Snow
By Mike O'Connor, Meteorologist Posted 9 months ago October 3, 2024
South Island Snow Turned Wet, More Settled there this Weekend
Summary
Cardrona received 40cm, The Remarkables 18-25cm, and Ohau 30cm of snow mid-week, but warm, wet conditions on Thursday turned it to slush, and rain thinned Mt Ruapehu's snowpack. Rain will affect the South Island today before shifting to Mt Ruapehu this weekend. Next week is the final week for several South Island resorts, with Mt Ruapehu aiming to stay open until late October if possible.
Short Term Forecast
Friday (4th October)
South Island resorts will have rain, drizzle, and low visibility, with possible snow on upper slopes and strong winds easing in the afternoon. Mt Ruapehu will be sunny with a northerly breeze.
Saturday to Monday (5th to 7th October)
Saturday will be sunny for the Southern Lakes, with showers and snow on upper slopes in Canterbury. Mt Ruapehu will have rain and snow at higher elevations, with low visibility at Whakapapa. Sunday will be clear in the morning for the South Island, with cloud and rain developing later in Canterbury. Mt Ruapehu will experience heavy rain and strong winds, with snow on upper slopes initially. Monday will see clouds and light showers clearing from South Island resorts by afternoon, while Mt Ruapehu remains rainy with strong winds easing by night.
Extended Forecast
Next week, an active front will bring heavy rain and strong winds to the South Island on Tuesday and the North Island on Wednesday, followed by cold winds and light snow showers. This may damage the snowpack, but snowmaking could help ahead of the season's final weekend. Early forecasts suggest unsettled weather with possible snow for the South Island during the final weekend of October 12-13.
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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