Weather
Periods of heavy rain for the southwest of the South Island. A period of strong north to northwest winds for Southland.
A moist north to northwest flow is expected to affect the southwest of the South Island from today (Monday) till Wednesday afternoon.
Slow moving fronts embedded in this flow are forecast to bring significant accumulations of heavy rain during this period. The largest accumulations are expected in Fiordland and Westland south of about Haast and a RAIN WARNING is in force for these areas.
This WATCH is for the possibility that from Monday until Wednesday rain accumulations could also reach warning criteria in Westland north of Haast and south of Whataroa and also about the headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers.
Additionally this WATCH is for the possibility of north to northwest winds rising to severe gale in exposed parts of Southland for a time during today.
Strong Wind Watch
Area: Southland
Valid: 9 hours from 9:00am Monday
Forecast: Strong or gale north to northwest winds are expected during today (Monday). This Watch is for the possibility that they could rise to severe gale in exposed parts of Southland.
Heavy Rain Watch
Area: The headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers
Valid: 47 hours from 9:00am Monday to 8:00am Wednesday
Forecast: Periods of rain are expected from this morning (Monday) until Wednesday afternoon and is likely to be heavy at times. During this time and within 10km east of the Divide rainfall accumulations could approach warning criteria.