Snow Forecast for Canterbury High Country and Plains

After gale to severe gale winds and squally thunderstorms tomorrow, a period of very cold southwesterly airflow on Wednesday and Thursday will bring snow flurries to low levels on Banks Peninsula. 

Blue Skies Weather & Climate Services said farmers can expect a period of gale to severe gale winds from between west and north later tomorrow, accompanied by squally thunderstorms spreading off the western ranges.

MetService Meteorologist David Miller said Heavy Rain Watches have been issued for Fiordland, the ranges of Westland and the Otago Headwaters.

Additionally, the lower North Island and top of the South Island are under a Strong Wind Warning, while much of the rest of the South Island is under a Strong Wind Watch.

“The far south of the South Island in particular may see very strong winds later Tuesday into Wednesday morning, and this Strong Wind Watch may be upgraded into a Strong Wind Warning in these areas.” Miller warned

A further period of squally thunderstorms may spread east later tomorrow night. Showers across the region early on Wednesday may bring some snow flurries to 400m before clearing around the middle of the day. 

Most of Canterbury will then stay dry but cold with strong southwesterly winds and significant windchills.

Graphic: Metservice

However, Blue Skies Weather & Climate Services said on Banks Peninsula expect snow flurries lowering to 200m during Wednesday, with strong southwesterly winds and significant windchills. Snow flurries may affect the Port Hills for a time on Wednesday night or early Thursday then clearing during Thursday morning.

Further east on Banks Peninsula snow flurries may take most of Thursday to clear. Expect accumulations of 3-5cm above 200m, 5-10cm above 400m.

For travellers, fales and squally thunderstorms may affect alpine passes tomorrow. Roads on Banks Peninsula may be affected by snow to 200m from late on Wednesday through later on Thursday.

Port Hills roads may also be affected.