Snow is forecast across a large portion of the South Island today with heavy falls inland and lighter falls lower down towards the coast.

While the bulk of the snow is inland, WeatherWatch.co.nz says a few flurries down to coastal areas can’t be ruled out – although may not settle long or accumulate much.

For the ski fields, especially in the South Island, this snow will be very welcome – with Canterbury mountains getting some of the heaviest dumps. Snow will also make it into the North Island with the coldest air settling over Central Plateau this Wednesday to Friday.

Snow may cause issues for the SH1 the Desert Road, with snow currently forecast lower down in Waiouru. In the South Island all Alpine Passes are expected to receive snow in the coming days.

⚠️❄️3 Day #SNOW Map. This map also shows trace amounts (less than 1cm) pushing closer to coastal areas but not likely settling/accumulating.

Summary of Map:
☃️To build a snowman, you'll likely need to be inland. 🏂🎿Great news for ski fields!
🚔🚨Alpine passes have heavy snow pic.twitter.com/auuarqNrQe

— WeatherWatch.co.nz (@WeatherWatchNZ) August 6, 2022

#Updated: ❄️Expected SNOW COVER (where snow will settle) next 24hrs (to 9am Monday).

Isolated flurries may go closer to sea level but not expected to settle/linger long.

Key:
Light blue (edges): 1 – 5cm
Dark blue: 5 – 15cm
Purple (mountains): 20 – 40cm
Pink: (summit) 50cm+ pic.twitter.com/m3bnhFMjMi

— WeatherWatch.co.nz (@WeatherWatchNZ) August 6, 2022