Heavy rain continues to fall across Southland and WeatherWatch.co.nz head weather analyst Philip Duncan says it’s setting in.

“The rain appears to have eased this morning in coastal areas but it has firmly set in across northern Southland” says Mr Duncan. 

“We are advising farmers right across Southland, Otago and Canterbury who have rivers or streams on their property to be aware of catchment areas as while it’s fairly dry in the east it’s pouring inland”.

The heavy rain isn’t going to ease soon either.  “We’re predicting some areas may see conditions ease this afternoon for a few hours but more rain will return tonight along with strong northerlies”.

Heavy rain is expected to last another 24 to 36 hours across the West Coast and Southland.

In positive news WeatherWatch.co.nz says rain is still in the forecast for drought hit farms in northern New Zealand.