Heavy rain and strong winds forecast for parts of South Island from early Monday

Heavy rain and strong winds are forecast to affect parts of the South Island from early Monday through to late Tuesday, with MetService issuing a series of severe weather watches.

MetService says a front will bring a period of heavy rain to Fiordland and southern Westland from early Monday, before a low-pressure system moves across the South Island on Tuesday, spreading heavy rain to parts of Canterbury and Marlborough and bringing the risk of southeast gales to the West Coast and Fiordland.

A heavy rain watch is in place for Fiordland from 12am to 3pm Monday. A period of heavy rain is expected that may approach warning levels.

The ranges of Westland south of Fox Glacier, including parts of Mt Aspiring National Park, are also under a heavy rain watch from 6am to 9pm Monday. There is a moderate chance the watch could be upgraded.

Further east, a heavy rain watch has been issued for Marlborough, south of Seddon, and Canterbury, north of the Rangitata River, from 2am to 10pm on Tuesday. Periods of heavy rain are expected, with totals that may approach warning levels.

Strong winds are also forecast on Tuesday, with a strong wind watch in place for the Westland and Grey Districts from 3am to 7pm. Southeast winds may approach severe gale strength in exposed places, with a moderate chance that the watch could be upgraded.

A separate strong wind watch covers Fiordland from 2am to 11am Tuesday, where southeast winds may also approach severe gale force in exposed areas.

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