New Zealand Forecast – Skies Clearing after Southerly Blast Leaves a Blanket of Fresh Powder
Published early Wednesday, 20th August 2025
An icy-cold southerly blast has given kiwi ski fields another top-up of snow in the last couple of days. Southern Lakes ski fields reported 12 to 23 cms of top-quality powder had accumulated by Tuesday morning. Winds were particularly strong in Canterbury and on Mt Ruapehu, where some ski fields were forced to remain closed on Tuesday, with reports of 5-11cm of fresh snow at the start of the day, but much more has fallen since then.
High pressure building from the south will bring fine weather to the Southern Lakes for the rest of the week, with some of the best conditions of the season. Further north, there’ll be some light, leftover snowfall for Canterbury and Mt Ruapehu on Wednesday and Thursday, while strong, cold southerly winds continue to ease. Then, high pressure spreading north will also bring fine weather to Canterbury on Friday and the weekend, while cloud lingers about Mt Ruapehu with the possibility of a few extra snow flurries.
Wednesday 20th August
Any cloud affecting ski fields in the Southern Lakes and the Mackenzie Basin gradually clears as cold southerlies ease.
Further north in Canterbury, stronger southerlies will also abate gradually, with any remaining snow showers on Mt Hutt and nearby ski fields clearing early for a partly sunny, partly cloudy day. The snow showers will continue in the north of the region, where Mt Lyford should pick up several more centimetres.
Thursday 21st August
A great day to get amongst the fresh powder in the Southern Lakes with a nice, sunny day above the clouds.
Cloud and snow flurries in Canterbury will gradually clear from southern then central parts during the day, but they’ll linger in the north until late, with Mt Lyford picking up another couple of centimetres. Chilly southerly breezes.
Friday 22nd August
Another mint day above the clouds for the Southern Lakes, where winds will be light.
Canterbury will also see plenty of sunshine, but it’ll turn cloudy for a time. Chilly southerly breezes.
Saturday 23rd August
Clear and sunny for South Island ski fields with light winds.
Sunday 24th August
Another stellar day for South Island ski fields with light northwest breezes, although high cloud will build over the Southern Lakes.
Extended Forecast
The weather looks to get much rougher next week. First, a weak front may see a few snow showers spilling over the Main Divide onto the Southern Lakes on Monday, before a larger, more serious-looking weather system moves up the country mid-week, possibly lasting through the weekend into early the following week.
Models aren’t well aligned regarding the timing of events, but they agree that snow levels will bounce around wildly, with bouts of heavy rain, snow, and strong winds lashing the country with each passing front. Models also suggest snow accumulations could be significant, but we’ll have to wait closer to the time before locking it in.
That’s all from me today, folks. I’m sending out these forecasts every Monday, Wednesday and Friday throughout the season. Have a great couple of days, and I’ll see you back here on Friday.
Grasshopper
