Good morning. The latest 9.59am MetService New Zealand weather update below.
MetService Severe Weather Warnings and Watches
Situation
A complex low and a frontal system lie slow moving over the South Island, bringing a prolonged period of heavy rain and also heavy snow about some inland parts of Canterbury and Otago.
The front moves northwards overnight tonight, spreading the heavy rain northwards.
Gales are expected to affect some parts of central New Zealand during Friday.
Warnings and Watches are in force. Please stay up to date with forecasts.
🟠 Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Area: Ranges of the Grey and Buller Districts
Period: 12hrs from 12:00am Friday to 12:00pm Friday
Forecast:
Expect 70 to 90 mm of rain about the ranges. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h.
Minimal chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact:
Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.
Action:
Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.
Issued: 9:59am Thursday, 27th August 2026
Next Update: 9:00pm Thursday, 27th August 2026
Area: Headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers about and south of Arthur's Pass
Period: 21hrs from 3:00pm Thursday to 12:00pm Friday
Forecast:
Expect 140 to 180 mm of rain about the main divide, and 100 to 140 mm within 20 km farther east, possibly more in localised areas.
Peak rates of 20 to 30 mm/h expected Friday morning about the divide.
Freezing level 2200 metres.
Minimal chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact:
Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.
Action:
Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.
Issued: 9:59am Thursday, 27th August 2026
Next Update: 9:00pm Thursday, 27th August 2026
Area: Headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers
Period: 12hrs from 2:00pm Thursday to 2:00am Friday
Forecast:
Expect 100 to 150 mm of rain about the main divide, and 70 to 100 mm within 20 km farther east, possibly more in localised areas.
Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h expected this afternoon and evening about the divide.
Freezing level 1500 metres rising to 2200 metres this evening.
Minimal chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact:
Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.
Action:
Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.
Issued: 9:59am Thursday, 27th August 2026
Next Update: 9:00pm Thursday, 27th August 2026
Area: Westland
Period: 27hrs from 9:00am Thursday to 12:00pm Friday
Forecast:
In addition to what has already fallen, expect 140 to 180 mm of rain about the ranges, and 70 to 100 mm nearer the coast, possibly more in localised areas.
Peak rates of 20 to 30 mm/h expected from this afternoon about the ranges.
Low chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact:
Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.
Action:
Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.
Issued: 9:59am Thursday, 27th August 2026
Next Update: 9:00pm Thursday, 27th August 2026
🟡 Heavy Snow Watch - Yellow
Area: Canterbury High Country south of the Rangitata River and Otago north of Arrowtown to Ranfurly
Period: 6hrs from 9:00am Thursday to 3:00pm Thursday
Forecast:
Periods of heavy snow above 800 metres, where snowfall amounts may approach warning criteria.
Note, lesser amounts of snow could fall as low as 400 metres.
Low chance of upgrading to a Warning.
Issued: 9:59am Thursday, 27th August 2026
Next Update: 9:00pm Thursday, 27th August 2026
Action advice supplied by the National Emergency Management Agency.
![AF8 [Alpine Fault Magnitude 8]](https://westcoastemergency.govt.nz/wp-content/themes/civil_defence/images/af8.jpg)
