New Zealand Daily Snow
By Mike O'Connor, Meteorologist Posted 8 months ago September 9, 2025
More Shots of Powder as Stormy Spring Pattern Persists
Summary
Early this week was decent, though winds closed some South Island lifts on Tuesday. A cold surge brings 5–15cm nationwide today, heavier on Mt Ruapehu, with more showers Thursday. Friday turns wet as a low crosses the North Island, before a late cold change adds snow. Another storm may hit over the weekend, likely clearing the South Island by Sunday.
Short Term Forecast
Forecast for Wednesday 10th & Thursday 11th September
A cold surge will bring 5–15cm of fresh powder across South Island ski fields Wednesday, with snow easing as winds swing southwest. Mt Ruapehu will see snow turn to rain mid-slopes in strong northwest gales before reverting to snow by evening. By Thursday, fresh powder will cover the country, with clear skies in Canterbury, partial cloud in the Southern Lakes, and lingering light snow on Ruapehu.
Forecast for Friday 12th September
A low will bring rain then snow to Mt Ruapehu Friday, while the Southern Lakes stay partly cloudy and Canterbury sees evening southerlies with a dusting of snow.
Forecast for Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th September
A storm system Saturday will likely bring snow showers nationwide, briefly turning wet or sleety at lower levels as strong west-to-northwest gales hit before colder southwesterlies drop snow levels again. By Sunday, snow showers will clear South Island ski fields as winds ease, but Mt Ruapehu will keep seeing snow and strong southwesterlies.
Extended Forecast
Next week looks unsettled, with possible storm systems bringing strong northwest winds, rain, and snow, followed by colder changes dropping snow to low levels.
Thanks for reading. The next forecast will be out on Friday.
Mike
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