Light Snowfall and Icy Roads Expected Across Southland
It’s been a chilly few days in Southland, and the latest update from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has confirmed that while snow is still in the forecast, it’s not shaping up to be a major winter event. Drivers on State Highway 6 between Lumsden and Kingston are being urged to take extra care, as an area warning remains in place due to snow and wintry road conditions.
The cold southwesterly flow over the region has been fairly gentle at ground level, with breezes even leaning slightly northwest at times. Clouds and showers have been drifting in from the west-southwest, and snow levels have dipped to around 400 metres in some areas. Showers are currently more common south of an Otautau–Waikaia line, but as winds gradually swing more from the southwest aloft, a few could spill into State Highway 94. That means some light snow could accumulate on the higher parts of that road later on.
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Earlier in the day, forecasters noted that this cold spell is actually milder than the average winter outbreak. The low-pressure system southeast of Stewart Island isn’t particularly deep, so winds have stayed unusually light for this time of year. Even so, gusts may freshen a little overnight. Showers have been small and scattered, with no signs of combining into longer snow events. Light snow is still possible down to 400–500 metres over the next 24 hours, but a widespread white blanket across the region isn’t expected.
By mid-afternoon, a more moderate southwest change reached the coast, bringing slightly heavier showers inland. Some local hail was possible, but temperatures had lifted enough to push the snow level up to around 600–700 metres. That’s likely to drop back toward 500 metres as the evening sets in, with a small chance of scattered light snow on both SH94 and SH6.
By the final 4:00 p.m. update, showers were moving steadily over western and central Southland, but becoming less frequent north of the Taringatura and Hokonui Hills. Temperatures were still a touch too warm for snow below 600 metres, though heavier showers could drop some hail. Overnight, colder temperatures are expected to bring the risk of icy patches forming on higher inland roads, even where snow hasn’t fallen.
For now, the advice is simple: if you’re heading into these areas, especially along the higher highways, be prepared for slippery conditions and keep your speed down. While the snowfall might be light and patchy, ice could be the real hazard tonight. The next weather update will be issued tomorrow morning, so Southlanders will know then if any bigger changes are on the way.
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