New Zealand Forecast – A Dusting for the Southern Lakes and a Dump for Canterbury

August 7th, 2024
The Remarkables this morning.  Not much in the forecast for Southern Lakes resorts but Mt Hutt and Canterbury resorts are in line for a good dump of snow. Photo: The Remarkables snow cams

Mountainwatch | The Grasshopper

A low-pressure system that will affect New Zealand over the next several days will bring snow to the South Island from late Wednesday into early Friday.

Up to 10cm could fall on Treble Cone, while just dusting of up to a few centimetres is likely at the other Southern Lakes resorts. However, Canterbury will get hit more square on and will pick up a much deeper load of about 20-40cm of powder and on the North Island Ruapehu will also see good snow totals

After that, the weather should clear out for a mostly fine weekend for South Island resorts with excellent snow conditions to be had.

Latest pressure analysis and satellite image. Source: The BOM (vandalised by the Grasshopper)

Wednesday August 7th 

A mostly cloudy day for the Southern Lakes with gusty NW winds. In the afternoon, it’ll start snowing lightly on Treble Cone, and a few light snow showers may show up at the other Southern Lakes resorts from the evening.

High cloud will gradually build over Canterbury as NW winds become strong.

Thursday August 8th 

Cloudy for the Southern Lakes, with the odd light snow shower clearing afternoon. Southerly winds develop in the morning.

Snow will spread over Canterbury in the early hours before dawn, but it’ll be wet on the lower slopes of Mt Hutt and Porter’s Pass until a cold southerly change hits around midday, bringing heavier snowfall to around 900-1000m.

Friday August 9th 

A fine day for the Southern Lakes apart from a little morning cloud. A NE breeze will ease in the afternoon.

Snowfall in Canterbury will peter out in the morning, but it’ll remain grey and murky through the afternoon. Southerly winds gradually ease and turn eastwards.

Saturday August 10th 

A fine day for all South Island resorts above any morning low cloud, although the Southern Lakes will have a bit of high cloud overhead. NW breezes picking up.

Extended Forecast

A quick-moving front will bring a light snow shower to South Island resorts late Sunday into early Monday. Following this front, strong SW winds will blow over the country, which will gradually turn west then NW through the middle of next week as a high moves over the North Island. Some snow is possible around next Thursday and Friday, the 15th and 16th of August.

That’s all from me today, folks. The next forecast is Friday. See you then, and have a great couple of days.

Grasshopper