Severe Weather Warnings and Watches

Issued by MetService at 8:46pm Saturday 5 Sep 2026

Heavy rain for parts of central New Zealand

A large trough moves onto central New Zealand during Sunday and early Monday, bringing heavy rain to many places, and possible snow to the mountain passes of the South Island.

Please keep up to date with the latest forecasts.

Heavy Rain Warning - Orange

Area: The Grey and Buller Districts and Nelson Lakes

Period: 21hrs from 6:00am Sunday 6 Sep 2026 to 3:00am Monday 7 Sep 2026

Forecast: Expect 140 to 200 mm of rain about the ranges, and 60 to 90 mm of rain elsewhere. Peak intensities of 15 to 25 mm/h Sunday afternoon and evening.
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: The Canterbury High Country north of Mt Cook, and southwestern Marlborough

Period: 24hrs from 6:00am Sunday 6 Sep 2026 to 6:00am Monday 7 Sep 2026

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria, including spillover into the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers within 15 km east of the main divide. Note: rain may turn to snow above 800 metres overnight Sunday and before dawn Monday.
Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Area: The Tararua Range

Period: 12hrs from 6:00pm Sunday 6 Sep 2026 to 6:00am Monday 7 Sep 2026

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria.
Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Area: Tasman District northwest of Takaka Hill

Period: 15hrs from 12:00pm Sunday 6 Sep 2026 to 3:00am Monday 7 Sep 2026

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria about the ranges.
Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Area: Ranges of Westland north of Mt Cook National Park

Period: 12hrs from 10:00am Sunday 6 Sep 2026 to 10:00pm Sunday 6 Sep 2026

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria.
Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

An update for severe weather will be issued by: 10:00am Sunday 6 Sep 2026

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Action advice supplied by the National Emergency Management Agency.

(C) Copyright Meteorological Service of New Zealand Ltd 2026