Active front to cross southern NZ

An active front is forecast to approach the South Island on Tuesday, preceded by a very strong, moist northwest flow. This front should cross southern New Zealand Wednesday morning and central areas Wednesday afternoon or early evening. A period of very heavy rain is forecast for Fiordland and southern Westland and a warning has been issued for these areas. There is a risk of significant spillover rain into the heatwaters of the Otago and South Canterbury rivers and lakes during this time and also a brief period of heavy rain over the Westland ranges north of Franz Josef during Wednesday morning. A WATCH will be maintained for these areas.

SEVERE northwest gales are forecast about Fiordland and exposed inland parts of Southland, Otago and Canterbury and a warning has been issued for these areas. Northwest gales are also expected about exposed parts of Marlborough, Wellington and Wairarapa from later on Tuesday through to early afternoon Wednesday. Gusts in these areas could approach warning criteria in some exposed spots, but it is uncertain if these will be widespread enough to warrant a warning.

MetService forecasters will continue to monitor the situation and advise people in these areas to remain up to date with the latest forecasts.