While spring has started, wintry conditions are continuing in the South, where more snow is on the way for some key highways.
MetService has today issued road snow warnings for the Lindis Pass (State Highway 8), the Crown Range Road and the Milford Road (SH94) overnight and into tomorrow.
MetService meteorologist Kgolofelo Dube said the the South Island kicked off spring with cloudy skies and showers, “some heavy with thunderstorms and gusts up to 90kmh on the West Coast, as a cold front moved up the island”.
“That front will sweep quickly up the country, followed by a second front that will prolong rain and snowfall in the South Island. Cooler southerlies trailing behind will drop overnight lows, leading to widespread frosts.”
Dube said that by midweek, a high-pressure system would bring more settled conditions nationwide.
However, snow is expected to affect the Milford Road throughout the week.
The road was closed between East Gate (Hollyford) and Donne River (Westgate) at 2pm yesterday and reopened about midday.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said the road would close again about 5pm today, as more heavy snow was forecast overnight. It would likely remain open through until late on Wednesday, when further disruptions and closures were possible.
NZTA said its road crews were gearing up to respond to further snow dumps affecting South Island highways.
“As is often the case as we move into spring, the weather can be highly changeable and can still pack an icy punch,” said NZTA journey manager for the lower South Island, Nicole Felts.
“Our message to people using the state highways at higher elevations is to plan ahead by knowing the conditions and be prepared for disruption such as road closures or delays.
“Adjusting your driving to the conditions is also critical to keeping you and other road users safe. Make sure you are visible, reduce your speed, adjust your travelling distance behind other motorists and avoid sudden braking or turning movements.”
UPDATE 12:10PM
SH94 is now OPEN, please drive with care, especially around snow clearing equipment.
The road will be CLOSING again at 5pm TODAY, Mon 1 Sep, from Hollyford Rd junction to Donne River bridge due to overnight snow forecast and elevated avalanche hazard. ^JP https://t.co/aTb9XqArAW pic.twitter.com/ocxTzk0IAX
— NZ Transport Agency – Otago & Southland (@nztaos) September 1, 2025
Road snowfall warnings
Crown Range Road, for nine hours from midnight Monday to 9am Tuesday.
Forecast: Snow showers may affect the highest parts of the road overnight Monday and Tuesday morning. 1 to 2 cm of snow may accumulate above about 700 metres.
Lindis Pass (SH8), for two hours from 6am-8am Tuesday.
Forecast: Snow showers may affect the highest parts of the road Tuesday morning. 1 to 2 cm of snow may accumulate above about 700 metres.
Milford Road (SH94), for 11 hours from 10pm Monday to 9am Tuesday.
Forecast: Periods of snow are expected above about 600 metres overnight Monday and Tuesday morning. A total of 5 to 10 cm of snow may accumulate above about 700 metres with lesser amounts down to 600 metres.
– Allied Media