Cold wintry outbreak to bring snow and frosts across New Zealand

Saturday 15 August 2026 · 2 outlets · 3 reports · updated Sat 15 Aug, 1:40pm

In this story MetService

A cold southerly front is bringing snow to the central South Island and potential frosts to the North Island. MetService has issued snowfall warnings for several alpine passes, including Porters Pass. Meanwhile, rockfall has caused an overnight closure on a section of the Gisborne state highway.

How they headlined it

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8:50am1:40pm

1. StuffSat 15 Aug, 8:50am

   Cold wintry outbreak set to sweep across country (opens in new tab)

2. 1NewsSat 15 Aug, 1:40pm

   Wintry front brings snow to South Island passes, warnings issued (opens in new tab)

   • Snow warnings for alpine passes, rockfall shuts Gisborne highway overnight (opens in new tab) Sat 15 Aug, 1:40pm