THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016
Snow forecast
After the coldest and snowiest stretch of winter last week, there’s some settled weather in the forecast for anyone
heading to the ski slopes.
South Island
A storm moving in from the Tasman Sea is set to deliver some fresh powder to the South Island’s ski fields from Thursday
night into Saturday. This latest round of snow will not be nearly as significant as last week’s impressive bursts,
however.
If you are in the Queenstown area, the pick of the weekend for skiing and snowboarding is Sunday.
Further north in Canterbury’s high country, snow will end late on Saturday but begin again later on Sunday, perhaps
giving a brief window to hit the slopes. After snow ends late Sunday, the South Island may have several days of settled
weather early next week, yielding favourable snow sport conditions.
North Island
In the North Island, some snow will develop on Mt Ruapehu late on Friday before tapering off midday on Saturday. Sunday
looks fabulous at Whakapapa and Turoa. The North Island will benefit from a period of tranquillity in the early and
middle week next week.
Extended Outlook
Another storm could approach late in the week or next weekend, bringing some stormier conditions and mild weather ahead
of it. The second half of August does look to have more mild snaps than cool ones, but a deep snow pack on many of the
ski fields may act as a refrigerant, keeping the fields and higher elevations cooler.
ends