Forecast for Friday 19th September

High pressure clears the South Island ski fields with fresh powder and sun, while a morning southerly brings 5-10 cm of snow to Mt Ruapehu before easing in the afternoon.

Forecast for Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st September

Saturday sees strengthening northwest winds and heavy rain with mid- to upper-level snow moving up the South Island, while Mt Ruapehu enjoys sunny skies under a passing ridge. On Sunday, the front clears the Southern Lakes and Canterbury, leaving sunny skies and deep snow, though strong winds persist, limiting operations in exposed areas.

Forecast for Monday 22nd & Tuesday 23rd September

Monday brings partly cloudy skies to the Southern Lakes with afternoon showers and high-level snow, strong northwest winds, and sunny but windy conditions in Canterbury, while Mt Ruapehu sees cloud and light rain. On Tuesday, the stalled front spreads rain and snow over northern and central Canterbury, with light showers in the Southern Lakes and continued cloudy, drizzly conditions on Mt Ruapehu.

A wet and warm storm system moves over the upper South and North Islands on Wednesday (24th September), bringing strong westerly winds that may persist into early October. Frequent fronts will deliver powder, though heavy rain and strong winds later in the month could disrupt lift operations and affect the snowpack.

Thanks for reading. The next forecast will be out on Monday.

Mike