Wet, Warm Northerlies Build Again Later This Week, Weekend Cold Change

New Zealand Daily Snow

By Mike O'Connor, Meteorologist Posted 21 hours ago July 6, 2025

Summary

South Island ski fields had a great weekend with clear weather and good snow-making, plus Soho Basin opened at Cardrona. Mt Ruapehu was hit by heavy rain, thinning snow, but snow-making has resumed. Fine weather lasts through Tuesday, with light midweek showers and heavier rain and wind on Friday likely to affect Ruapehu.

Short Term Forecast

Forecast for Monday 7th & Tuesday 8th July

Monday and Tuesday will be mostly fine across NZ ski fields, with some high cloud, light winds, and brief morning low cloud in the Southern Lakes.

Forecast for Wednesday 9th & Thursday 10th July

On Wednesday, a storm brings scattered rain and strong northerlies to South Island ski fields near the Main Divide, with snow possible up high, while Mt Ruapehu sees increasing cloud and light afternoon showers. Thursday stays partly cloudy with possible showers and snow at higher elevations in the South Island, while Mt Ruapehu faces cloud, drizzle, and reduced visibility.

Forecast for Friday 11th July

A strong front on Friday will bring heavy rain and gusty northerly winds to both islands, with afternoon downpours and high-level snow in the South Island, and worsening rain and intense winds at Mt Ruapehu.

Extended Forecast

A low approaching from the west this weekend will bring colder westerlies and a series of storms, likely delivering fresh snow to ski fields next week after a long warm, wet stretch.