Forecast for Friday 13th June

Queenstown fields could pick up a few light flurries early on before cloud cover begins to break in the afternoon. Southerly breezes and cool nighttime temps will support snowmaking. Over in Canterbury, Mt Hutt and nearby areas could see 10–15 cm up top by midday, with lighter snow continuing into the afternoon as snow levels drop. Conditions will be wetter lower down, so higher elevations will offer the best experience for Opening Day.

Forecast for Saturday 14th through Wednesday 18th June

Saturday kicks off with blue skies and light winds across the South Island—ideal conditions for Opening Day, especially in the Southern Lakes. Cloud in Canterbury should lift early. Cold temps will aid snowmaking.

Sunday brings more settled weather, with just a touch of morning cloud in the Southern Lakes. Chilly mornings and nights will keep the snow guns running.

Monday looks clear and calm again, aside from possible snow showers around Mt Lyford. Light southeasterlies expected.

High pressure is set to linger into Tuesday and Wednesday (17th–18th June), keeping skies mostly clear.

A pair of fronts will move through on Thursday and Friday (19–20 June), bringing gusty northwest winds and scattered rain and snow, followed by a mostly settled weekend under high pressure.

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

Mike