News

Make the most of this final day of sunshine. It's going to be a warm one with moderate to strong north-westerly winds becoming just plain strong by tonight.

Synoptic Outlook:
Those strong winds mentioned above have been on the cards for several days now. A high pressure system is slipping out into the Tasman today as a deepening low enters the Bight. That spells trouble in the form of a tight pressure gradient over the resorts on Wednesday morning with winds tipped to hit 70km/h mean speed, meaning gusts to 100km/h or even 120km/h are quite probable.

Some heavy rain should arrive Wednesday afternoon and freezing levels will fall to around 1700m in the evening, in time for a few snow showers on Thursday and a heavier burst on Friday. Those north-westerlies will stay strong throughout. I'd say wind hold is definite on Wednesday across most lifts, and a good chance on Thursday higher up.

All up we're looking at another 15 to 25cm from this system, which should almost be enough to repair the damage done by the warm air and rain on Wednesday. That's the thing with spring. You know you'll get lots of wind, a bit of rain and a bit of snow, a bit of hot and a bit of cold, but you never know if you're going to win from week to week.

Tuesday 4 September:
Fine. North-westerlies strengthening.

Wednesday 5 September:
Very strong north-westerlies during the morning then rain in the evening.

Thursday 6 September:
Strong north-westerlies and showers, falling as snow above 1700m.

Friday 7 September:
Strong north-westerlies and snow showers, heavy at times:*

Extended Outlook:
We should have another big high on our plate by midday Saturday with a few more days of fine weather the result. Those winds might even ease on Sunday if ya lucky.

Read more: http://www.mountainwatch.com