New Zealand Forecast – Powder Upon Powder as NZ Has Late Season Comeback
Published early Saturday, 14th of September 2024
The Southern Lakes picked up a big load of powder on Thursday and Friday, with around 20-30cm at base levels and 50-60cm up top. In Canterbury, Ohau also scored 50cm, while Mt Hutt and nearby ski fields picked up around 15cm on Friday. You won’t want to miss out today (Saturday) as it’ll be another “best day of the season” day.
As if that weren’t enough, there’s still plenty more snow on the way. First, a slow-moving low-pressure system will drop 20-25cm on the Southern Lakes on Sunday, and Canterbury will receive a dusting early Monday. A strong southerly change will bring another 5-10cm top-up to all South Island resorts Monday night into Tuesday.
After copping a lot of rain today, Mt Ruapehu will receive a hefty 20-50cm load of powder on Monday and Tuesday as cold air finally reaches the north. Although it’ll initially be wet on the lower slopes, it’ll be the first dump of snow in a long while for resorts there, and it will greatly improve conditions.
Saturday 14th September
Another “best day of the season” day for the Southern Lakes with clear, sunny skies and light winds.
Canterbury will stay grey and murky with light snow flurries here and there. Winds will also be light.
A rainy ol’ day for Mt Ruapehu with heavy falls and northwest winds.
Sunday 15th September
Snow spreads over the Southern Lakes in the morning, with mostly light-moderate falls to around 700m or less persisting throughout the day, then clearing overnight. Light northeast breezes gradually clock around to the southeast.
Canterbury will be mostly cloudy, with snow showers over the MacKenzie Basin and a few elsewhere in the afternoon. Northwest winds pick up.
Showers on Mt Ruapehu, falling as snow up high, will gradually clear as southwest winds kick in.
Monday 16th September
A mostly cloudy day for South Island resorts with northwesterly breezes. Light snowfall will develop along the frontal range in Canterbury where Mt Hutt is located during the morning. A strong southerly wind change hits the Southern Lakes in the evening and Canterbury overnight, bringing a top-up of around 5-10cm.
Persistent mid to high-level snow falling on Mt Ruapehu will lower below base levels in the evening as northwest winds turn to a colder southwest. Heavy falls possible.
Tuesday 17th September
Snow showers over the South Island gradually clear as strong southwesterlies ease.
Snow day for Mt Ruapehu, with heavy falls likely in the afternoon as southwest winds change to a cold, strong southerly.
Extended Forecast
An unsettled westerly flow over the Country will bring a little more snow to the country next week, Wednesday to Friday, before a ridge of high-pressure likely moves in next weekend.
That’s all from me today, folks. The next forecast is Monday. See you then, and have a great weekend.
Grasshopper
