New Zealand is in for a "bumpy start to the week" with severe weather watches and warnings being issued around the country.
MetService warns heavy rain is on the way for the west coast of the South Island on Monday, and most of central and southern New Zealand is under watch for wind.
"A frontal system moves up the South Island west coast from tonight, bringing rain to Fiordland this evening and to Westland from Monday morning," MetService says.
COMING UP: HEAVY RAIN IN THE WEST, STRONG WINDS IN THE EAST. We’ve got a bumpy start to the week weather-wise and MetService has issued Severe Weather Watches and Warnings, so keep up to date with the latest forecasts at bit.ly/metservicenz We’re expecting heavy rain for the west coast of the South Island and there is a warning for that area. There are also Strong Wind Watches or Warnings for most of southern and central New Zealand. A frontal system moves up the South Island west coast from tonight, bringing rain to Fiordland this evening and to Westland from Monday morning. The rain is forecast to get more persistent from Monday afternoon with some heavy falls, especially about the ranges. Ahead of this front northwest winds will be strong, especially in the Canterbury High Country where a Strong Wind Warning is in place. These conditions are likely to make for challenging driving conditions, so take care. Full details on warnings http://bit.ly/AllWarnings Full details on watches http://bit.ly/AllWatches And find the forecast for your town at bit.ly/metservicenz There is some good news though - a ridge of high pressure towards the end of this week settles the weather.
"The rain is forecast to get more persistent from Monday afternoon with some heavy falls, especially about the ranges.
"Ahead of this front northwest winds will be strong, especially in the Canterbury high country where a strong wind warning is in place."
MetService warns this could make for some "difficult driving conditions", especially in Westland and the Canterbury high country.
