Heavy rain is expected for parts of the South Island, with severe gales possible in central New Zealand.
A front is currently bringing heavy rain to the west of the South Island, and is moving towards the North Island from the west. There is mostly just high cloud affecting eastern regions https://t.co/rcECVuGXOw ^PL pic.twitter.com/7C3bC1Z5gZ
— MetService (@MetService) January 16, 2021
The heavy rains have already hit Fiordland, as active fronts move their way up the South Island.
The weather, which is due to reach the North Island tomorrow, is bringing lower temperatures, rain and potentially thunderstorms.
The start to an unsettled few days of weather begins today
— NIWA Weather (@NiwaWeather) January 16, 2021
⛈️ South Islanders you're up first with a risk for thunderstorms in the north & west
️North Islanders - make the most of your morning with rain arriving in the arvo. ⚡ Late arvo & evening thunderstorms possible. pic.twitter.com/JfFg5XT07c
MetService forecaster Alwyn Bakker says Milford Sound had around 40mm millimetres of rain overnight.
He said the spell of fine weather has broken down, and a system of low pressure has arrived from the Tasman Sea.
A heavy rain warning is in place for the Westland ranges south of Otira. MetService said 80 to 100mm of rain is expected with possible thunderstorms.
Moderate to heavy rain is moving towards the west of the North Island https://t.co/prKU7O2R01 ^PL pic.twitter.com/eTyCpwtjvn
— MetService (@MetService) January 16, 2021
The area may also see another heavy burst of rain in the morning, MetService said.
It said a low is expected to develop near the Otago coast this evening, bringing a period of southwesterly rain to Southland and eastern Otago, where rain amounts could approach warning criteria.
Strong wind watches are in force for the Canterbury High Country, Marlborough, Wellington, and Wairarapa including the Tararua District.
