Heavy rain is expected to lash several parts of the South Island this afternoon, according to MetService.
MetService said a low over the Tasman Sea should cross the South Island overnight and early tomorrow morning, bringing heavy rain to several areas.
An orange heavy rain warning was in place for Tasman District ranges west of Motueka until midnight and Westland District until 4am tomorrow.
Up to 160mm of rain was expected for the Westland District ranges, with the heaviest falls likely around this afternoon and evening “when intensities could reach 20 to 25mm per hour”.
Heavy rain watches were also in effect for Mount Taranaki around the mountain, Tararua Range, Bryant and Richmond Ranges north of Maungakura/Red Hill, Paparoa Range within the Buller District and the headwaters of the Canterbury Lakes and Rivers south of Arthur’s Pass into Friday.
MetService said “warmer than average muggy temperatures” could be expected for most areas today.