Snow and frost hit South Island as cold southwesterlies arrive
Monday 28 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story MetService, Earth Sciences New Zealand, Oscar Shiviti
Cold southwesterly winds have brought snow to Fiordland and frost to the South Island. While eastern areas may see a bright start to the week, showers are expected in western regions. Meteorologists indicate that stronger wind gusts are also expected as the season progresses.
Key facts
5 facts
- Snow fell on South Island main passes on Sunday.
- Lewis Pass was closed due to snow.
- El Niño conditions are expected to increase wind strength and frequency.
- Christchurch recorded a low of -1.7 degrees before 7am on Monday.
- A tyre pile burned at Quartz Hill Station following an out-of-control burn-off on Friday.
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Heavy snow fell across South Island main passes on Sunday, causing vehicles to become stuck and forcing highway closures. All South Island state highways reopened on Sunday after snow shut Lewis Pass and trapped vehicles near Lake Pūkaki.
Meteorologist Chester Lampkin warns that El Niño conditions are increasing high and low pressures, which will lead to stronger and more frequent wind events this summer. Wind gusts could be 5kph stronger on average, and potentially up to 10kph stronger at times.
Canterbury faces risks from warm, dry winds which could cause rapid fire spread. Recent burn-offs in Selwyn resulted in a large shed and a tyre pile catching fire. Rob Garden's business was nearly destroyed when an ember set a hedge alight during a slash burn-off.
MetService meteorologist Oscar Shiviti stated that snow could reach 600-700m in Fiordland during Monday morning. While eastern areas will have a bright start to the week, southwesterlies will bring showers to western New Zealand on Monday.
Compiled from reports by The Press and NZ Herald.
