Spring weather today, snow on Monday

Friday, 15 August 2025

The lambs are out, the sun is shining, and Christchurch is set for a warm and brief taste of spring this weekend — so make the most of it, because it won’t last.

After last week’s cold snap, the city is in for clear skies and temperatures of up to 17C, with other parts of the Canterbury Plains reaching about 16C.

“It could feel even warmer than that,” said MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane, describing the conditions as “quite pleasant”.

Overnight temperatures will remain chilly, with frost possible in some areas.

Sunday is expected to stay mild, though South Canterbury may see a slight increase in cloud, which “shouldn’t be anything too major,” Makgabutlane said.

The mild spell comes just as lambing season begins on the Port Hills.

Christchurch City Council has put up signs reminding dog owners to keep pets on a leash, and cyclists to slow down or dismount near ewes and lambs.

“We appreciate the co-operation of the public during the early weeks of lambing,” said regional parks manager Paul Devlin.

But the warmth won’t last.

By Monday a cold front will sweep across the South Island, bringing rain to the west on Sunday and showers to the east.

Southwesterly winds will trigger daytime high temperatures falling back into the low teens, with inland Canterbury potentially seeing snow down to 600 metres.

From early next week, temperatures are expected to remain around 10C to 11C.

The sun has been welcomed by those at Mt Hutt skifield, contributing to what general manager James Urquhart called the “best snow in the country”.

The combination of dry nights, big frosts, and sunshine had created “just epic winter conditions,” with plenty of wall-to-wall skiing from top to bottom.

“And then you throw that big yellow thing in the sky and it just makes it really, really fun. It’s been a pumping week.”

Mt Hutt is up “considerably” on its mid-week numbers, which Urquhart believes is likely due to the unfortunate season club fields are having.

“We really feel for those guys. We want them to do well also,” he said.

Late last week, some South Island club skifields were left staring at bare tussock and rock, while facing the prospect of not being able to open this winter.

After some snowfall, Broken River and Craigieburn both opened for the first time this season on Sunday.

But Mt Cheeseman and Rainbow Ski Area remain shut.

Urquhart was looking forward to the cold snap waiting around the corner, with another “top up” early next week and clear weather for the rest.

Locals can also enjoy events in the sun across the city this weekend, from the Illuminate Light & Sound Experience in the Botanic Gardens to live music.