New Zealand Daily Snow
By Mike O'Connor, Meteorologist Posted 9 months ago August 19, 2025
Now's The Time as Storm Exits, Leaving Boot Deep Powder
Summary
Fresh southerlies brought up to 23 cm of powder to the Southern Lakes and around 5–11 cm at Canterbury and Mt Ruapehu, though strong winds closed some slopes. High pressure is now moving in, delivering clear skies and top conditions for the Southern Lakes. Lingering light snow will ease further north before fine weather reaches Canterbury and possibly Ruapehu by Friday.
Short Term Forecast
Forecast for Wednesday 20th and Thursday 21st August
Cold southerlies ease on Wednesday, bringing clearing skies to the Southern Lakes and Mackenzie Basin, while Canterbury sees lingering snow showers in the north around Mt Lyford. Thursday offers sunny powder conditions in the Southern Lakes, as flurries gradually clear Canterbury.
Forecast for Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th August
Friday brings another sunny, calm day for the Southern Lakes and mostly sunny conditions in Canterbury despite some temporary cloud and chilly southerlies. The weekend stays clear and sunny across South Island ski fields, with light winds and only some high cloud building over the Southern Lakes on Sunday.
Extended Forecast
Next week looks much rougher, starting with a weak front on Monday (25th August) bringing a few snow showers to the Southern Lakes before a larger system moves in mid-week and possibly lingers into the following week. While timing is uncertain, models agree on wildly fluctuating snow levels and the potential for significant rain, snow and strong winds with each passing front.
Thanks for reading. The next forecast will be out on Friday.
Mike
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