A raft of weather warnings and watches are in place for much of the South Island and parts of the north from Sunday morning, MetService says.
Temperatures are easing today and tomorrow after some hot conditions this week, before northwesterlies usher in a large frontal weather system, Meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said.
MetService has issued orange heavy rain and strong wind warnings alongside a number of watches.
Westland is under an orange heavy rain warning from 4am on Sunday to 3am on Monday, with 250-310mm expected around the ranges and 100-150mm nearer the coast.
“Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible,” the forecaster warned.
Possible thunderstorms about the ranges could produce peak rainfall of 25 to 35mm an hour from Sunday morning through Sunday afternoon.
“There is a low chance of upgrading to a red warning,” MetService said.
Orange strong wind warnings come into effect in the Canterbury High Country from 8am Sunday and in Wellington and Wairarapa south of Masterton from 5pm Sunday.
Severe northwest gales could gust up to 140km/h in Wellington and 150km/h in Canterbury, MetService said.
“Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
“There is a low chance of upgrading to a red warning.”
Heavy rain watches come into force for the Grey and Buller Districts, the headwaters of Canterbury and Otago’s lakes and rivers, as well as Fiordland throughout Sunday morning.
MetService said the watch in the Grey and Buller Districts is likely to be upgraded to a warning tomorrow morning.
“Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may exceed warning criteria.”
Strong wind watches also come into effect from Sunday morning on the Canterbury plains and Banks Peninsula, Wairarapa north of Masterton, Hawke’s Bay south of Hastings and Marlborough.
A watch in Otago, Southland, Stewart and Fiordland from 7am Sunday has a “high chance” of being upgraded to a warning.
“Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.”
MetService advises the public to keep up to date with the latest forecasts.
