Rain warnings have today been issued by the government forecaster covering Westland and Fiordland – but warnings may end up extending as far north.

“A cold front is expected to move onto Fiordland later Tuesday, preceded by a moist northwest flow. There is a high risk that this will bring heavy falls to Fiordland, and a warning for this has already been issued” says the crown forecaster.

“A fairly deep depression is expected to develop in the Tasman Sea on Monday. A front associated with this low should cross northern and central New Zealand from later Wednesday and into Thursday, preceded by moist northeasterlies. There is a moderate risk that rainfall amounts will reach warning criteria during this time in the ranges of northwest Nelson, also about Coromandel Peninsula, the ranges of Bay of Plenty, and northern Gisborne”.

“The low should cross the North Island on Friday. There are likely to be brief heavy falls as it does so in the east from Canterbury to southern Wairarapa, including Wellington, but the risk that amounts will reach warning criteria looks to be minimal at this stage” says the crown forecaster.

Current warnings, as of 12noon:

Westland

Heavy Rain Warning, Areas Affected: Westland ranges south of Otira Heavy rain should begin spreading north this evening. In the 24 hours from 6pm Monday until 6pm Tuesday, 100 to 140mm of rain is expected to fall in the ranges. Most of the rain should fall over about 18 hours from 6pm Monday south of the Glaciers and from midnight Monday further north. Rainfall intensities of 15 to 20mm per hour are possible during Tuesday morning.

Fiordland

Heavy Rain Warning, Areas Affected: Fiordland Rain should become heavy around midday. In the 15 hours from noon Monday to 3am Tuesday, expect 80 to 110mm of rain, mainly north of Doubtful Sound. Heaviest falls are expected Monday evening, when intensities may reach 15 to 20mm per hour and possibly be accompanied by thunderstorms.