New Zealand Daily Snow
By Mike O'Connor, Meteorologist Posted 9 months ago August 17, 2025
Storm Still on Track to Deliver Powder to Low Levels
Summary
ChatGPT said: A slow-moving storm held off until late Sunday, giving South Island fields a decent weekend. The front moves north today and tomorrow, bringing low-level snow and icy southerlies. Light follow-up snow is expected mid-week before a high brings a bluebird Friday. Expect around 15–30 cm+ of quality powder. Another solid top-up after last week’s dump.
Short Term Forecast
Forecast for Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th August
Heavy snow eases in the Southern Lakes on Monday before returning to very low levels in the evening as a stronger southerly arrives. Canterbury sees rain and higher-level snow turn to low-level snowfall as the southerly change pushes north. On Tuesday, icy southerlies bring more snow showers across the Southern Lakes and Canterbury, with snow levels dropping to around 500–600 m and affecting high roads and passes.
Forecast for Wednesday 20th & Thursday 21st August
Clouds and cold southerlies ease on Wednesday with lingering snow showers in northern Canterbury, then Thursday brings sunshine and fresh powder for the Southern Lakes and Mackenzie Basin while northern Canterbury stays mostly cloudy with possible flurries.
Forecast for Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th August
Friday brings a mint, sunny day with light winds. High pressure looks to deliver excellent, settled conditions across the country through the weekend.
Extended Forecast
Next week is expected to deteriorate as a strong storm system arrives mid-week, bringing initially rain and snow on strong northwest winds before a colder change drops snow to lower levels through the latter part of the week.
Thanks for reading. The next forecast will be out on Wednesday.
Mike
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