A wet and blustery start to the week is forecast for parts of New Zealand’s South Island, with MetService issuing multiple orange‑level heavy‑rain and strong‑wind warnings and watches for Monday.
What the MetService is warning about
MetService says an active front, preceded by strong moist northerlies, will move across the South Island on Monday, followed by showery westerlies. Orange heavy‑rain warnings apply to the Westland Ranges (160–200 mm expected from morning until early Tuesday), Fiordland (up to 150 mm during the day), and the headwaters of Canterbury and Otago (up to 180 mm near the main divide).
Severe gales are forecast for Fiordland and the Canterbury High Country, with gusts reaching up to 120 km/h. A strong‑wind watch is in place for Queenstown Lakes, Central Otago, inland Southland, Clutha and Dunedin.
Potential impacts
Rapid rises in streams and rivers could trigger surface flooding and slips, prompting drivers to avoid low‑lying areas. MetService warns of possible damage to trees and powerlines, and notes that high‑sided vehicles may face hazardous driving conditions.
Full list of weather watches and warnings
- Heavy Rain Warning – Orange
- Westland District ranges – 18 hours, 9 am Mon → 3 am Tue
- Canterbury headwaters (south of Arthur’s Pass) – 12 hours, 3 pm Mon → 3 am Tue
- Otago headwaters – 9 hours, 10 am → 7 pm Mon
- Fiordland (north of Doubtful Sound) – 10 hours, 6 am → 4 pm Mon
- Strong Wind Warning – Orange
- Canterbury High Country – 18 hours, 9 am Mon → 3 am Tue
- Fiordland – 10 hours, 4 am → 2 pm Mon
- Strong Wind Watch
- Queenstown Lakes, Central Otago, inland Southland, Clutha and Dunedin – 10 hours, 6 am → 4 pm Mon
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the heavy‑rain warnings start and end?
The heavy‑rain warnings begin at 9 am on Monday for the Westland District (lasting until 3 am Tuesday) and at varying times for other regions, ranging from 6 am to 3 pm on Monday.
Which areas are expected to experience the strongest winds?
Severe gales with gusts up to 120 km/h are forecast for Fiordland and the Canterbury High Country, while a strong‑wind watch covers Queenstown Lakes, Central Otago, inland Southland, Clutha and Dunedin.
What precautions does MetService recommend?
MetService urges drivers to take care, avoid low‑lying areas prone to flooding, and be especially cautious if operating high‑sided vehicles, given the potential for strong gusts and rapid river rises.
How are you preparing for the potential weather impacts this week?
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