MetService Issues Rain Warnings and Wind Watches for South Island

Milford Sound Records 73 Millimetres as Orange Heavy Rain Warnings Take Effect Across South Island Ranges

A slow-moving weather front dropped 73 millimetres of rain on Milford Sound over a 12-hour period, kicking off a wet week across New Zealand’s South Island. The heaviest downpour hit between 4:00 am and 5:00 am with a 17-millimetre burst, according to MetService forecasters tracking the system on Monday, November 2, 2026.

Orange Warnings and Expected Rainfall Totals in Western Districts

MetService issued orange heavy rain warnings for the Westland District ranges, Fiordland north of Doubtful Sound, and the Canterbury lakes and rivers south of Arthur’s Pass. Forecasters expect up to 350 millimetres of rain to accumulate across the Westland District ranges, with peak hourly rates reaching 20 to 30 millimetres through Monday morning and afternoon. Stream and river levels may rise rapidly, while surface flooding and slips threaten driving conditions in affected areas.

Inland Otago Wind Warnings and Canterbury High Country Gales

MetService placed a strong wind watch for inland areas of Otago from 2:00 pm Sunday until 6:00 am Monday, warning that northwest winds could reach severe gale force in exposed locations. A separate strong wind watch remained active for the Canterbury High Country until 5:00 pm today, following a polar jet stream last week that brought snow and road closures to the South Island.

Regional Temperature Contrasts and Incoming Tasman Sea Lows

While the West Coast battles heavy downpours, eastern areas of both islands expect rising temperatures driven by humid northwesterly winds. MetService meteorologist Sophie Huntington stated that Thursday is shaping up to be particularly warm in the South Island, with Christchurch and Ashburton forecast to reach 26°C and Invercargill hitting 24°C. Following the initial front, weak low pressure will cross the North Island later in the week, bringing thunderstorms or downpours by Friday and Saturday.

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