New Zealand Forecast – Brief Midweek Storm Before an Icy Weekend Blast
Published early Monday, 10th August 2026
The weekend storm dipped a little further south than earlier forecasts expected, and it was the Southern Lakes ski fields who were the main beneficiaries, with Cardrona and Treble Cone receiving 10cm and 18cm respectively overnight Saturday, while Coronet Peak and The Remarkables also received a few centimetres. Canterbury also received a 2-5cm refresh, although Ohau, closer to the action in the south, scored 12cm, while light snow fell mostly on the upper slopes of Mt Ruapehu on Sunday.
This week starts mostly settled as the weekend storm departs, although Mt Hutt and northern Canterbury will see a little leftover snowfall on Monday. Another storm pushes in from the west on Wednesday, bringing strong winds and a little snow before warmer air raises snow levels and turns it wet.
Conditions quickly improve again for the South Island on Thursday, followed by a mostly sunny Friday, while Mt Ruapehu continues to see rain showers as the weakened storm system lingers in the north.
Monday 10th August
The storm system affecting the country over the last few days finally departs to the east while a ridge of high pressure moves in from the west.
Any snow flurries left in the Southern Lakes clear early as the southwest breeze dies away, then clouds gradually break up for a mint, sunny afternoon.
South-to-southwest winds will keep Canterbury fairly cloudy, particularly around Mt Hutt and the northern Canterbury ski fields, which will be most exposed. Mt Hutt could see a few snow flurries, while fields farther north pick up more frequent snow showers, mostly during the afternoon.
Tuesday 11th August
A fine morning for South Island ski fields above early low cloud, while northerly winds develop as the ridge leaves for the North Island. High cloud increases through the afternoon as the next storm approaches from the west, with light spillover snow showers reaching the Southern Lakes overnight.
Wednesday 12th August
A storm system pushes into the South Island from the west with strengthening north-to-northwest winds, reaching gale force in Canterbury. Snowfall spilling over the Main Divide will reach most ski fields for at least a time, but they’ll gradually turn wet during the morning as warmer air moves in, increasing snow levels. Ski fields closest to the Main Divide will see the bulk of the precipitation.
Thursday 13th August
The storm system leaves the South Island during the morning, taking any leftover rain, high-level snow, and clouds with it, leaving clear, sunny skies for the ski fields while brisk northwest winds ease.
Friday 14th August
A weak ridge of high pressure brings a mostly sunny day for South Island ski fields, with light northwest breezes over the southern Lakes, while a light east-to-southeast breeze develops in Canterbury for a time.
Extended Forecast
A low pressure system rolling over the top of the North Island during the Weekend, the 15th and 16th of August, is expected to suck in strong, icy-cold winds from the south. This polar blast is likely to bring high-quality powder to very low levels across the country through into Monday, the 17th. At this early stage, totals range from a dusting to a more solid top-up.
Cold south-to-southwest winds will likely persist through until Thursday or Friday, the 20th or 21st of August, with a few more dustings possible before high pressure moves in for a settled end to the week.
That’s all from me today, folks. I’m sending out NZ forecasts every Monday, Wednesday and Friday throughout the season. Have a great couple of days, and I’ll see you back here on Wednesday.
Grasshopper
