New Zealand Daily Snow
By Mike O'Connor, Meteorologist Posted 8 months ago September 16, 2025
A Couple More Strong Storm Fronts By Week's End
Summary
A strong front hits the South Island Wednesday and North Island Thursday, bringing heavy rain and severe gales that will shut Canterbury ski fields. A cold change follows with fresh powder, then sunshine Friday (South Island) and Saturday (Ruapehu). Another front arrives Saturday night, worsening conditions through Sunday.
Short Term Forecast
Forecast for Wednesday 17th to Friday 19th September
A strong front on Wednesday brings heavy rain and severe gales to the South Island, shutting Canterbury ski fields, while Ruapehu sees cloud, rain, and strengthening winds. By Thursday, snow showers deliver 5–15 cm in the Southern Lakes and 5–20 cm in Canterbury, with heavy rain and gales easing at Ruapehu as colder winds move in. Friday brings sunshine and fresh powder across the South Island, while Ruapehu clears after early snow showers and easing southerlies.
Forecast for Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st September
On Saturday, Canterbury faces gale-force winds as a front brings heavy rain and mid- to upper-level snow overnight, while Ruapehu stays sunny under a ridge. By Sunday, the front clears south to north, leaving powder on upper slopes and easing winds, with Ruapehu turning cloudy and wet as the system arrives.
Extended Forecast
Next week will be unsettled with frequent fronts bringing strong winds, rain, and snow, broken by brief sunny spells, leading to steadily building snow totals.
Thanks for reading. The next forecast will be out on Friday.
Mike
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