New Zealand Daily Snow
By Mike O'Connor, Meteorologist Posted 9 months ago October 7, 2024
Active Spring Pattern Continues to Deliver for the Final Week of the Season
Summary
Ohau and Broken River ended their season well, with more resorts closing this coming weekend. Mt Ruapehu dealt with rain and wind, and will keep only upper slopes open until late October. A front will bring rain and snow the next few days, with the Southern Lakes expecting up to 25-35cm, Canterbury up to 10cm, and Mt Ruapehu 10-25cm by Thursday.
Short Term Forecast
Monday (7th October)
South Island resorts will see a few showers alongside northwesterly winds. The showers will be light over the Southern Lakes, but heavier in Canterbury with possible thunderstorms in the afternoon. Skies will clear later in the afternoon. Whakapapa on Mt Ruapehu remains closed due to rain and strong winds.
Tuesday & Wednesday (8th & 9th October)
On Tuesday, a front will bring heavy rain and mid-upper level snow to the Southern Lakes, transitioning to light snow by afternoon with strong northwest winds. Canterbury will also see heavy rain turning to snow briefly, while severe winds limit operations. Mt Ruapehu will be cloudy with drizzly conditions and strengthening winds. On Wednesday, light snow showers will continue in the Southern Lakes and Mt Ruapehu, with winds easing in Canterbury and Mt Ruapehu, turning westerly.
Thursday & Friday (10 & 11th October)
Thursday will be fine for the Southern Lakes and Canterbury as clouds clear, with light winds turning northwest by Friday. A weakening front may bring light snow showers to the Southern Lakes late Friday. Mt Ruapehu is expected to receive 10-25cm of snow on Thursday, with more snow showers on Friday, creating ideal conditions with light winds.
Extended Forecast
The closing weekend may bring a snow dump to South Island resorts from late Saturday through Sunday. Mt Ruapehu will see rain and high-level snow over the weekend, with colder air and more snow expected early next week.
Thanks for reading. The next forecast is Wednesday, and Friday will be the final one of the season. Far out, it's flown by!
Mike O'Connor
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