MetService has issued a Severe Weather Outlook for the country this week.

On Tuesday, January 9, a ridge of high pressure lies slow moving over New Zealand with a minimal risk of severe weather.

On Wednesday, this ridge of high pressure covering the country is expected to move slowly east.

This will allow a strengthening northerly flow to spread over the South Island.

A front is expected to approach the South Island later in the day on Wednesday, with a low risk of severe north to northwest gales about Fiordland and Southland.

On Thursday, the front is expected to reach the lower South Island and become slow moving for a time.

Rain is expected about Fiordland and South Westland with a moderate risk of rainfall accumulations reaching warning amounts.

In addition, on Thursday, strong northwest winds are expected over the South Island and lower North Island, with a low risk of severe gales about Southland and Fiordland at first.

Warm temperatures are likely about eastern parts of the South Island.

On Friday, the front is forecast to weaken and progress slowly northwards over the South Island during the day.

Some rain is forecast for western parts of the South Island, but accumulations are not expected to reach warning amounts.