Heavy rain, snow, and strong winds are forecast for parts of central and southern New Zealand, says a MetService spokeperson. 

"An active trough of low pressure moves eastwards across the country this weekend, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to many areas of the North Island and the South Island.

"In addition, heavy snow is possible for inland parts of northern Canterbury and Marlborough on Sunday, and then the lower South Island on Monday."

People are advised to keep up to date in case further areas are added or upgraded.

Heavy Rain Warnings are in place for eastern Bay of Plenty east of SH2, the far northwest ranges of Tairawhiti/Gisborne, Tararua Range, and Mount Taranaki.

A Heavy Rain Warning is in place for the ranges of eastern Bay of Plenty east of SH2, also the far northwest ranges of Tairawhiti/Gisborne. The warning is valid for 13 hours from 8pm Saturday, August 17 to 9am Sunday, August 18.

During this time, a period of heavy rain and possible thunderstorms, with 90 to 130 mm of rain is expected, with peak intensities of 15 to 20 mm/h overnight tonight. 

"Additional brief periods of heavy rain are possible from Sunday afternoon through to Monday morning, but these look less likely to reach warning criteria," says a MetService spokeperson. 

A Heavy Rain Warning is also in place for the Tararua Range for 25 hours from 9pm Saturday, August 17 to 10pm Sunday, August 18.

During this time, periods of heavy rain from 120 to 180 mm are expected, with peak intensities of 15 to 20 mm/h.

There is also a Heavy Rain Warning in place for Mount Taranaki/Taranaki Mounga for 23 hours from 3pm Saturday, August 17 Aug to 2pm Sunday, August 18.

Periods of heavy rain and possible thunderstorms are expected with 120 to 160 mm of rain, and peak intensities of 10 to 15 mm/h. Rain may in this Mount Taranaki region may ease for a time on Sunday morning.

There is a minimal chance of the warnings for the Tararua Range, eastern Bay of Plenty, Tairawhiti/Gisborne and Mount Taranaki regions upgrading to a Red Warning.

"Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible. Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously."

Monday, August 19 2024 

A strong cold southwesterly flow is expected to bring snow down to low levels over the south of the South Island.

There is a moderate confidence that warning amounts of snow will accumulate above about 400 metres in Central Otago south of Lake Wakatipu and Roxburgh, Clutha, Southland and Fiordland south of George Sound. A watch for heavy snow has already been issued for these areas.

Tuesday August 20 2024 

A ridge of high pressure brings settled weather to much of the country and severe weather is unlikely.

Wednesday August 21 2024 

A ridge of high pressure brings settled weather to much of the country and severe weather is unlikely.

Thursday August 22 2024 

A front preceded by a strong moist northerly flow is expected to move east onto the South Island on Thursday.

There is a moderate confidence that this front will bring warning amounts of rain to Fiordland and the south of Westland and a low confidence that northwesterly gales will become severe in Fiordland and Southland.