August 2026 snow and cold snap

The story so far

A cold southerly front brought snow to the central South Island and the potential for frosts in the North Island, with MetService issuing snowfall warnings for several alpine passes, including Porters Pass.^{15 Aug} Rockfall also caused an overnight closure on a section of the Gisborne state highway.^{15 Aug} The next day, NZTA and MetService issued road snowfall warnings for parts of both islands and urged motorists to take care on alpine routes because of snow, ice and freezing temperatures.^{16 Aug} Heavy rain watches were also in place for the Wairoa District.^{16 Aug}

Latest

State Highway 1 between Rangipo and Waiouru (the Desert Road) was closed due to snow on Sunday night at about 9pm, after a period of sub-zero temperatures.^{17 Aug} NZTA confirmed the road had reopened just after 10am on Monday.^{17 Aug}

Key moments

1. 15 AugCold southerly front brings snow to central South Island; MetService warns for alpine passes.
2. 15 AugRockfall closes a section of the Gisborne state highway overnight.
3. 16 AugNZTA and MetService issue road snowfall warnings for both islands.
4. 16 AugHeavy rain watches put in place for the Wairoa District.
5. 17 AugDesert Road closed by snow on Sunday night after sub-zero temperatures.
6. 17 AugNZTA confirms Desert Road reopened just after 10am Monday.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.