Burst of heavy rain for ranges of Fiordland and West land between Milford Sound and Otira on Thursday

MetService expects rain to spread north over Fiordland and Westland on Thursday morning as the tail of a warm front moves over southern New Zealand. The northwesterly rain will probably become heavier in Fiordland tomorrow afternoon and near the ranges of Westland in the evening with a cold front. Forecasters predict a total of 70 to 90mm of rain in parts of the ranges between about Milford Sound and Otira over a 12 to 15 hour period. Intensities may reach around 15mm per hour on Thursday evening in the ranges of Westland and a little less further south. Although this is a relatively modest amount for the area, people are advised that streams and rivers are likely to rise.

HEAVY RAIN WARNING

Area/s affected: Near the ranges of Fiordland and Westland between about Milford Sound and Otira.

Forecast:

In a 12 to 15 hour period starting between 3am and 6am from about Milford Sound to Haast Pass and starting between 6am and 9am near the ranges of Westland further north to Otira, 70 to 90mm of rain is expected in places. Peak intensities could reach 15mm per hour briefly near the ranges of Westland on Thursday evening but a little less further south.

Freezing level: Rising to 2000m for a time but falling to 1400m in Fiordland on Thursday evening.