MetService News Release
05 Sep 2016
Wicked southerly bringing snow and swells from Wednesday
While much of the country woke up to windy and showery conditions to start the week, it is Wednesday when things will
really deteriorate. Strong southwesterlies over New Zealand are the hangover from a busy weather weekend, but the
frontal system which brought significant rain is now moving away from the country. The southwest flow will ease over the
next few days, making Tuesday the pick of the week with afternoon fine spells on the cards for all the major centres.
The entire regime will change on Wednesday when a potent cold front races up the country. This front will spearhead a
period of gale southerlies affecting eastern regions of both islands and the capital. The polar air in behind the
southerlies will bring a noticeable drop in temperature, plunging the country back into winter-like conditions after a
fairly mild start to spring. Most of the South Island can expect single digit highs on Thursday.
The combination of strong, cold southerlies and frontal precipitation is a recipe for snow to low levels. Current
forecasts are for snow to 300m around Southland, Otago, Canterbury and Marlborough, and 500m about parts of the North
Island. “To top it all off,” said MetService meteorologist Angus Hines, “Significant and potentially damaging swells are
going to charge up both sides of the country, starting Wednesday evening. This will be most noticeable along the east
coast, where such swells are uncommon.”
Those waiting for more sunshine will need to wait until the end of the week; a ridge of high pressure extends over the
country on Friday. However, due to the polar air which has been dragged over New Zealand earlier in the week,
temperatures will remain cool. Overnight lows will be especially chilly, and frosts are likely to develop in sheltered
areas across both islands.
ends