Rain and snowfall in southern New Zealand
In September 2024, the lower South Island of New Zealand received heavy rain and snowfall, causing widespread disruptions. Power outages, school closures, and road blockages were reported across the region, with authorities issuing warnings for significant snow and rain. Despite the challenges, the fresh snow brought joy to skiers in Queenstown, where the snow base ranged between 55 and 220 cm.
This Copernicus Sentinel-2 image acquired on 15 September 2024 shows the snow-capped mountains of Fiordland National Park near Milford Sound in Southland, New Zealand.
The Copernicus Sentinel satellites deliver consistent and reliable data for monitoring weather events such as extreme snow or rainfall and better understanding their impacts on local communities.