Incoming Snow: Latest Developments
While the weather appears to be relatively calm and tame across most regions today, with scattered showers and generally cold temperatures, there have been a few snow showers drifting up along the Lower South Island. However, this is just the beginning. The worst conditions are still expected to arrive later this evening when strong south to southwesterly winds are forecasted to pick up. These winds will cause temperatures to drop significantly, bringing snow to much lower levels than previously predicted. Wind chill factors will be particularly harsh, settling around 0 to -4 degrees Celsius in some areas, including coastal regions that usually experience milder conditions. The combination of wind chill with ongoing rain or snow may pose a real risk to vulnerable young livestock in the affected regions, and extra precautions should be taken to protect them from the harsh weather elements.
Wind chill temperatures
Cold air begins to move up into Southland anytime from around 9pm, gradually making its way northwards and reaching Central Otago by approximately 12am Tuesday. The Mackenzie District can expect wind chill to start dropping temperatures noticeably from around 5am, with this colder air mass reaching the Canterbury Plains around 6am. North Canterbury and Marlborough are likely to experience the development of strong winds, causing temperatures to fall from around 9am.
As this weather system continues to move further north, temperatures are expected to remain cold overall, but the wind chill values should begin to rise slightly, moving out of the icy negative numbers experienced earlier in southern regions. Wind gusts will be particularly strong along the coastal regions of the east coast of the South Island as well as in exposed alpine areas, with gusts reaching around 50 to 60km/h, making conditions feel even colder in those locations.
Low resolution Snow map - refer to SIMA weather forecasts.
Updated Snow forecast
Southland, Clutha & Fiordland: Snow flurries down to 200 metres, possibly lower at times.
Coastal Otago (including Dunedin): Snow flurries to around 300 metres, with lower levels inland down to about 200 metres.
Central Otago & Queenstown Lakes: Snow flurries to 300 metres, with an enhanced chance of snow in Queenstown.
Canterbury Plains & High Country: Snow lowering from 500–600 metres to 200–300 metres across the foothills and plains.
Banks Peninsula: Snow flurries possible above about 400 metres.
Westland Ranges: Snow expected above 600–700 metres, including higher passes.
Marlborough: Snow flurries above 300–400 metres, mainly in the southern ranges.
For further information including: regional forecasts, timelines and snow depths at each altitude. Subscribe to our Snow cast use the code 25OFF for 25% off. Discount is for Full Winter Access option only.
