Severe Weather Warnings and Watches

Issued by MetService at 8:36pm Monday 2 Feb 2026

Heavy rain and possible severe gales for parts of central and southern New Zealand

A low moves eastwards across central New Zealand during Tuesday, bringing heavy rain to the east and north of the South Island, and south to southeast gales to Westland, eastern Marlborough and Wellington.

People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts.

Heavy Rain Warning - Orange

Area: Tasman District northwest of Motueka

Period: 15hrs from 4:00am Tuesday 3 Feb 2026 to 7:00pm Tuesday 3 Feb 2026

Forecast: Expect 80 to 110 mm of rain, especially about the ranges. Peaks rates of 25 to 40 mm/h likely in localised downpours Tuesday morning, with thunderstorms also possible.
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.

Heavy Rain Watch - Yellow

Area: Marlborough south of Seddon, and Canterbury north of the Rangitata River

Period: 20hrs from 2:00am Tuesday 3 Feb 2026 to 10:00pm Tuesday 3 Feb 2026

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Amounts may approach warning criteria or possibly exceed them, especially about North Canterbury and the Kaikoura District. Note, precipitation may fall as snow above about 1200 metres in Canterbury Tuesday afternoon and evening.
Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Strong Wind Watch - Yellow

Area: Westland and Grey districts

Period: 15hrs from 4:00am Tuesday 3 Feb 2026 to 7:00pm Tuesday 3 Feb 2026

Forecast: Southeast winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.
Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Area: Eastern Marlborough north of Clarence (including the Sounds) and Wellington

Period: 6hrs from 7:00pm Tuesday 3 Feb 2026 to 1:00am Wednesday 4 Feb 2026

Forecast: Southerly winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.
Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

An update for severe weather will be issued by: 10:00am Tuesday 3 Feb 2026

A service provided through a contract with the Crown

Action advice supplied by the National Emergency Management Agency.

(C) Copyright Meteorological Service of New Zealand Ltd 2026