Orange heavy rain warnings are in place for Fiordland, the Westland Ranges, and the headwaters of the Otago and Canterbury lakes and rivers from Friday evening. They will be accompanied by strong winds, with watches issued for Southland, inland Otago and western Clutha. MetService warned more watches and warnings were likely in the coming days. MetService meteorologist Michael Pawley said little of the expected rain was likely to fall where it’s needed most though. “It has been incredibly dry for eastern parts of the South
Island. While the West Coast is getting soaked this weekend, eastern regions will mainly experience the howling wind. “I’m sure a lot of farmers around Canterbury will be hoping they see some of that rain but its unlikely to fill the tanks.” Those strong northwesterlies will bring some unseasonably warm temperatures for the day before the shortest day. Frosty winter conditions are likely to return by Monday however, alongside a brief spell of settled weather. – Allied Media
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