Wet Snow on the Way? Here’s What to Expect from This Unpredictable Weather
We've been soaking it up over the past few days, haven't we? The cafes were packed, we could finally leave our jackets at home, and you saw people walking around with a smile on their face. But hey, we live in New Zealand, so you knew it wouldn't last. It’s March, and March is known for keeping us on our toes. And this time, it’s throwing a proper curveball. We’re swapping the spring sunshine for a dose of cold, grim weather, with rain, hail and, yep, you read that right: wet snow.
From Spring to Winter: The Change Has Begun
The shift started this morning. Where we were walking around in t-shirts yesterday, the wind has now turned and suddenly it feels much chillier. Over the next few hours, that’s only going to become more noticeable. We’ve got a significant weather system rolling in from the west. Which means it’s time to brace ourselves. I always say, keep that warm jacket handy, because you’re definitely going to need it.
It’s going to be a day of extremes. One minute the sun comes out and makes you second-guess things, the next you're caught off guard by a sudden downpour. And these aren’t just any showers. Chances are we’ll see a proper mixed bag. Think heavy hail pelting down on your car, and yes, that wet snow. Not the picture-perfect kind you'd see on a Christmas card, but those heavy, soggy flakes that melt down your collar and turn everything into a cold, grey mess in no time.
What’s Going On with Our Weather?
We’re stuck in an unsettled pattern. Colder air from the south is colliding with the remnants of the mild weather we had. That’s the perfect recipe for chaos. The weather models don’t mince words: a few regions, especially in the south and east, are set to cop the brunt of it. There are already warnings that the spring-like fun is over in the south: over the next few hours we’re in for a mix of hail, thunderstorms and, yes, that wet snow. My own sources, and the people I know at the weather services, all agree that we’re in for a few days of this.
And it’s that combination that really gets you. Normally, wet snow makes you think of cars caught out, but don’t forget about the cyclists. If you're heading out early in the morning, the roads could be slick. Not from a thick blanket of snow, but from that moisture that’s just starting to freeze. Anyone who’s lived here for a few years knows that’s more dangerous than a day of gale-force winds.
- Morning rush hour: risk of slippery surfaces from leftover wet snow, especially on bridges and cycle paths.
- Afternoon: a mix of sunny spells and heavy showers with hail and wet snow.
- Evening: clear spells but with a wind chill that can drop well below zero.
And I haven’t even mentioned the wind. That’s what makes it truly unpleasant. It’s exactly the kind of day where you’d rather stay inside with a coffee, but life goes on. So if you’re heading out, consider yourself warned.
As I’m writing this, I’m thinking of a mate of mine who works in logistics. He’s dealing with planning all year round and was telling me the other day that weather swings like this are an absolute nightmare for schedules. Everything grinds to a halt after just one bout of wet snow. And he’s right. You can see it now: a few hours of this and the whole country’s in a traffic jam because nobody expects March to dish this up.
Advice from an Old Hand
I’ve lived here my whole life, and I can tell you one thing: never trust those first rays of sunshine blindly. The weather in March is like a cat that can’t decide if it wants to come in or go out. So that warm jacket I mentioned? Just keep wearing it. And that umbrella? Forget it. With this wind and wet snow, it’s useless. Pull on a good waterproof jacket, put on a cap, and accept that it’s just going to be a grey, wet day. Tomorrow might look completely different again.
So keep an eye on the rain radar, because you don’t want to be caught out just as a load of wet snow starts falling. The next 24 hours are going to be unpredictable, but here in New Zealand, we’re pretty good at keeping things in perspective. As long as we’ve got something to have a good grumble about, right?