Weather: Snowfall impacts South Island roads, north braces for 100km/h gales

Kiwis can expect a chilly start to the week as snow falls in the south and is set to coat parts of the North Island tomorrow, bringing with it the potential for gale-force winds.

Eight road snowfall warnings are now in place across the country, with snow expected to fall to about 200m in many areas.

MetService forecaster Devlin Lynden told the Herald motorists should be mindful of conditions and expect disruptions along high alpine roads.

Workers lay grit on the Crown Range Rd in Queenstown after overnight snow in 2022. Photo / George Heard

“The Lower South Island has already seen snow to quite low levels, which has started to impact some of the roads down there.”

High level roads in the north should expect some snow tomorrow afternoon, with a warning in place for Desert Rd from midday.

Lynden said the snowfall could continue as far down as the Wairarapa, with the possibility of snowfall to 500m in the winding Remutaka Ranges.

Cold air will begin hitting the North Island today, bringing unpredictable squally winds and scattered showers.

🚗Road Snowfall Warnings have been updated, with new roads added

❄️Snow is expected on many elevated roads today and tomorrow in the South Island and even some in the North Island

Take extra care, and factor possible snow into your journey over high-lying roads pic.twitter.com/SZ6BekOqz6

— MetService (@MetService) August 18, 2025

The upper North Island could see strong gusty winds of 80-100km/h tonight, potentially developing into thunderstorms and hail continuing into tomorrow.

“Tomorrow is likely to be a heavy hitter in terms of those gusts, with potential for rain.”

Those in Taranaki, Waikato, Auckland and Northland should consider securing outdoor objects.

In the south, motorists are being urged to take extra care, with warnings already in place for both Milford Rd (SH94) and the Crown Range Rd near Queenstown.

Warnings will be coming into effect for several other key alpine passes tomorrow, including the Lindis Pass (SH8), Porters Pass (SH73) and Lewis Pass (SH7).

While the risk of thunderstorms tonight is minimal, South Islanders should brace for a chilly front, with single digit temperature maximums today and tomorrow.