South Island temperatures expected to drop by 10C
Tuesday 15 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story NZME, MetService
A weather front moving north is set to bring cooler temperatures and snow to the South Island. Christchurch could see temperatures fall from 20C to 10C by Thursday, while snowfall levels in Fiordland may reach warning criteria.
Key facts
5 facts
- Christchurch temperature forecast to reach 10C on Thursday
- Heavy rain watch for Fiordland from Tuesday evening to Wednesday morning
- Heavy snow watch for Central Otago, Southern Lakes, and MacKenzie Basin
- The weather system is expected to reach Northland on Thursday
- Snowfall may approach warning criteria in the Canterbury High Country
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
A cold front moving up the country is expected to bring cooler temperatures and snow to the South Island. Temperatures in Christchurch are forecast to drop from a high of 20C on Tuesday to 19C on Wednesday, before falling to 10C on Thursday.
Dunedin is expected to reach 20C on Tuesday, with temperatures falling to 12C or 13C on Thursday. In Queenstown, the temperature is forecast to drop from 16C on Tuesday to 11C by Thursday.
A heavy rain watch is in place for Fiordland from 6pm Tuesday until 10am Wednesday. Heavy snow watches will be in effect for Central Otago, Southern Lakes, and the MacKenzie Basin from 4pm Wednesday to 2am Thursday.
Snowfall amounts may approach warning criteria in the Canterbury High Country and above 600 metres. The weather system is expected to reach Northland during the second half of Thursday.
Where reports differ
- Dunedin's Thursday high is forecast to be 12C in one report and 13C in another
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald and Stuff.