Rain drenches Wellington as cold snap hits

Sunday, 15 September 2024

Wellington is experiencing a damp start to its week, as the North Island prepares for snow and brisk temperatures.

The capital is forecast to undergo heavy periods of rain on Monday, MetService says, with the possibility of it easing over the evening.

After a rainy Monday, Wellingtonians will need their winter woollies tomorrow with a high of just 9C expected.

Drivers were urged to take care on Tuesday with a road snowfall warning for State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill between noon and 7pm. Up to 3cm of snow was forecast about the summit.

Road snowfall warnings were also issued for the Desert Road and the Napier/Taupō road.

Tuesday, while less wet, will continue the same, with the rain only dying off in the evening. Wednesday is forecast to be cloudy but clear.

MetService meteorologist Alwyn Bakker said the central North Island could expect snow on Tuesday around 700 metres above sea level.

It would be cold in urban areas on the central plateau, such as Taihape, which were likely to drop to negative temperatures overnight.

“So very unpleasant if you're not a fan of cold weather, but it's not going to be quite as dramatic as some of those more central locations,” he said.

The lower South Island, including Queenstown, experienced heavy amounts of snow and rain over the weekend, following a large snow dump on Friday.