New Zealand Daily Snow
By Mike O'Connor, Meteorologist Posted 8 months ago September 7, 2025
An Active Spring Pattern Ahead Filled with Wind, Rain, Powder & Sunshine
Summary
NZ ski fields picked up 30–60 cm Friday with lighter top-ups Saturday. Winds caused closures but today brings calm, clear conditions. Another storm Tuesday brings rain, wind, and snow, followed by a cold dusting Wednesday. Mostly fine Thursday–Friday, though Ruapehu cops more rain and snow.
Short Term Forecast
Forecast for Monday 8th September
Sunny skies cover NZ ski fields Monday as high pressure brings calm weather and northwest winds to the South Island.
Forecast for Tuesday 9th & Wednesday 10th September
On Tuesday, gale northwest winds build as a storm moves in, bringing snow and rain to the Southern Lakes by late morning and Canterbury later, with snow levels gradually lifting. By Wednesday, a cold change eases winds and leaves 5–15 cm of fresh snow across South Island fields, though Mt Hutt only gets 2–4 cm. Mt Ruapehu sees snow early Wednesday, switching to rain with severe gales, then back to snow at night as cooler southwesterlies arrive.
Forecast for Thursday 11th & Friday 12th September
Thursday brings fresh powder with clear skies in Canterbury and partly cloudy conditions in the Southern Lakes and Ruapehu. On Friday, a weak ridge keeps the South Island mostly settled, while a low delivers rain then snow to Ruapehu and light snow showers to Canterbury.
Extended Forecast
A strong cold surge this weekend (13-14th September) into Monday (15th September) could deliver anything from light top-ups to solid dumps of snow. More storms may follow late next week, though forecasts remain uncertain.
Thanks for reading. The next forecast will be out on Wednesday.
Mike
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