New Zealand Daily Snow
By Mike O'Connor, Meteorologist Posted 8 months ago September 11, 2025
Stormy Spring Pattern Continues with Shots of Powder Mixed In
Summary
A cold snap brought fresh snow to NZ fields, with 7–20 cm in the South Island, 30 cm at Ohau, but only 1 cm at Mt Hutt. Mt Ruapehu also gained snow, with more on the way. An unsettled spring pattern will bring light snow Friday, heavier falls Saturday and Monday night (rain lower down), plus strong winds likely causing disruptions. Ruapehu should see deep totals on mid and upper slopes.
Short Term Forecast
Forecast for Friday 12th to Sunday 14th September
A weak front on Friday brings light snow (1–3cm) to the Southern Lakes and Canterbury, while Mt Ruapehu sees heavy rain turning to snow. A stronger front Saturday delivers 10–25cm in the Southern Lakes and 5–15cm in Canterbury, with heavy snow and gales at Ruapehu, though sleety lower down. Sunday brings clearer skies, lingering snow in the South Island, and continued snowfall on Ruapehu before easing winds.
Forecast for Monday 15th & Tuesday 16th September
On Monday, the South Island sees cloud, rain, and high-level snow developing with gale to severe gale northwest winds, while Mt Ruapehu gets showers and mid- to upper-level snow from persistent southwest winds. By Tuesday, South Island skies briefly clear before clouds return with strengthening northwest winds, while Ruapehu stays unsettled with rain, high snow, and easing westerlies turning southwest.
Extended Forecast
The unsettled spring pattern will continue with passing fronts, bringing relentless strong winds and more rain than snow as snow levels stay high.
Thanks for reading. The next forecast will be out on Monday.
Mike
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