It’s the South Island’s turn to receive strong winds today as the isobars squeeze up together across the Southern Alps.

MetService has issued a number of severe weather warnings covering both heavy rain in the west and severe gales in the east. 

As of 9am winds remained very light across the South Island with WeatherWatch.co.nz expecting little to no damage for most places today with the bulk of the wind expected to be well inland away from most populated places. 

MetService expects gales from 9am in the south and from noon in Canterbury with gusts to 110km/h possible.   They specify winds will be at their strongest near the foothills.  See all the current warnings here.

Meanwhile the strong winds should help boost temperatures to their highest points in some time.  Highs in the mid teens are likely with upper teens possible in some inland pockets.