Periods of heavy rain and wind are on the cards for western parts of the South Island, while humid temperatures persist.
MetService said a series of fronts preceded by humid northerlies would move across the South Island into Thursday.
The forecaster issued orange heavy rain warnings for Tasman west of Takaka, Westland and Canterbury headwaters south of Arthurs Pass, with thunderstorms possible for some areas.
In Westland, it expected “peak intensities of 25 to 35mm/h about the ranges, with thunderstorms likely”.
“Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible,” MetService said.
A wind warning for Canterbury High Country and a wind watch for Fiordland were also issued as severe gale north-westerlies could gust 120km/h in exposed places.
“Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.”
It followed a warm and sunny weekend for most of the country, with temperatures around the mid-to-high 20s for many regions.
Full list of watches and warnings
Heavy Rain Warning – Orange
Tasman west of Takaka – five hours from 9am to 2pm today.
Westland – 10 hours from 3am to 1pm Thursday.
The Canterbury headwaters south of Arthurs Pass – nine hours from 4am to 1pm Thursday.
Strong Wind Warning – Orange
Canterbury High Country and the Plains near the foothills – 11 hours from 6am to 5pm Thursday.
Heavy Rain Watch
Buller – three hours from 9am to midday today.
Richmond and Bryant Ranges including the Rai Valley – seven hours from 9am to 4pm today.
The Grey District – eight hours from 7am to 3pm Thursday.
The Otago headwaters – eight hours from 2am to 10am Thursday.
Fiordland north of Doubtful Sound – nine hours from 1am to 10am Thursday.
Strong Wind Watch
Fiordland – six hours from 2am to 8am Thursday.
