Weather Divide: Heavy Rain and Snow Alarms for South Island as North Swelters

By Lions Roar Aotearoa Weather Desk

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND (Sunday, February 1, 2026) — New Zealand is set for a week of extreme meteorological contrasts. MetService has issued a series of heavy rain watches for the South Island, while residents in the North are bracing for a “muggy” night and temperatures nearing 30°C.

The wild weather is being driven by an area of low pressure developing in the Tasman Sea, which is set to dump rain before ushering in an unseasonably cold air mass.

🌧️ South Island: Rain, Low Pressure, and Snow

The South Island is facing a triple threat of heavy rain, plunging temperatures, and high-altitude snow.

• The Rain: Fiordland and Southern Westland will be the first to feel the impact starting Monday morning. The front will then track east across Canterbury and Marlborough on Tuesday.
• The Snow: In a shock to summer hikers, cold air following the rain could bring snow to eastern ranges as low as 1,200 metres.
• The Watches:
  • Fiordland: From midnight Sunday.
  • Westland (South of Franz Josef): From 6 AM Monday.
  • Canterbury & Marlborough: From 2 AM Monday.

“If you’re heading up into the hills this week, make sure you’re prepared for the chance of snow,” MetService warned hikers and alpine travelers.

🌡️ North Island: High Humidity and 29°C

While the South shivers, Auckland and Northland are entering a period of oppressive humidity.

• The Heat: Temperatures are forecast to hit 29°C tomorrow (Monday) in Auckland and Northland.
• The Humidity: High overnight temperatures mean many Kiwis will be “reaching for the fan” as the “muggy” air makes sleep difficult.
• The Forecast: This warm, moist air is expected to linger for the first half of the week before the front from the South begins to temper the heat.

📊 Regional Weather Snapshot: Monday, Feb 2