Morning, Coasters,

MetService New Zealand has issued an updated the warning forecast for the West Coast. See the warning information below:

🌧️ Situation
A complex low and frontal system becomes slow moving over the South Island today, bringing a prolonged period of heavy rain which should turn to heavy snow about some inland parts of Canterbury and Otago. Warnings and Watches are in force. Stay up to date with forecasts in case changes are made.

🟠 Heavy Rain Warning - Orange

Area: Grey and Buller south of Westport
Period: 12hrs from 6:00pm Wednesday to 6:00am Thursday
Forecast: Expect 70 to 90 mm of rain, especially about the Paparoa Range. Peak rates of 10 to 20 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: 9:56am Wednesday, 26th August 2026
Next Update: 9:00pm Wednesday, 26th August 2026

Area: Westland
Period: 54hrs from 9:00am Wednesday to 3:00pm Friday
Forecast: Expect 300 to 450 mm of rain about the ranges, and 150 to 200 mm nearer the coast. Peak rates of 20 to 30 mm/h expected this afternoon and evening, then again from Thursday afternoon to Friday morning 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: 9:56am Wednesday, 26th August 2026
Next Update: 9:00pm Wednesday, 26th August 2026

Good morning, West Coasters,

MetService New Zealand has issued an Orange Rain Warning for Westland and a Yellow Rain Watch for Grey and Buller (south of Westport). See warning information below:

🌧️ Situation
A complex low and frontal system become slow moving over the South Island on Wednesday, bringing a prolonged period of heavy rain which should turn to heavy snow about inland parts of Otago and South Canterbury Wednesday afternoon. A Rain Warning for Westland is now in force, with Watches also for rain and snow. People are urged to stay up to date with forecasts, in case part of these Watches are upgraded to a full Warning.

🟠 Heavy Rain Warning - Orange

Area: Westland
Period: 48hrs from 12:00pm Wednesday to 12:00pm Friday
Forecast: Expect 400 to 500 mm of rain about the ranges, and 150 to 200 mm nearer the coast. Peak rates of 20 to 30 mm/h expected Wednesday afternoon and evening, then again Thursday evening and Friday morning 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: 9:54am Tuesday, 25th August 2026
Next Update: 9:00pm Tuesday, 25th August 2026

🟡 Heavy Rain Watch - Yellow

Area: Grey and Buller south of Westport
Period: 24hrs from 6:00pm Wednesday to 6:00pm Thursday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria, especially about the ranges.
Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Issued: 9:54am Tuesday, 25th August 2026
Next Update: 9:00pm Tuesday, 25th August 2026

Good morning, West Coasters,

Our good weather has come to an end!🌧️

MetService New Zealand has issued an Orange Rain Warning for Buller and Grey, and a Yellow Rain Watch for Westland.

See warning information below:

🟠 Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Area: Ranges of Buller and Grey Districts
Period: 18hrs from 3:00pm Saturday to 9:00am Sunday
Forecast: Expect 90 to 120 mm of rain. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h expected Saturday night and Sunday morning. Thunderstorms possible Sunday morning.
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: 10:01am Friday, 21st August 2026
Next Update: 9:00pm Friday, 21st August 2026

🟡 Heavy Rain Watch - Yellow
Area: Ranges of Westland District
Period: 24hrs from 9:00am Saturday to 9:00am Sunday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria. Thunderstorms possible Sunday morning.
Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Issued: 10:01am Friday, 21st August 2026
Next Update: 9:00pm Friday, 21st August 2026

Action advice supplied by the National Emergency Management Agency.