5 hours ago Mike O'Connor
A strong storm is set to hit the South Island midweek, bringing heavy rain and strong northwest gales that will damage the snowpack. Luckily, cooler air returns Friday and Saturday as a low crosses the North Island. Canterbury ski fields, especially Mt Hutt, could see 30–70 cm of fresh snow, while the Southern Lakes may only get a light top-up, though snowmaking conditions will improve.