Wind alerts have been issued for the South Island and lower North Island with northwesterly winds expected to strengthen.
MetService says a trough will approach the South Island on Sunday and make its way north tomorrow evening.
A cold front associated with the trough is set to reach Fiordland late Sunday evening, bringing some heavy rain.
Fiordland is under an orange heavy rain warning from 8pm on Sunday, March 10, to 8am on Monday, March 11, with a forecast of 70 to 110mm of rain and peak rates of 20 to 30mm/h. The impacts may include rapidly rising streams and rivers, potential surface flooding, slips, and hazardous driving conditions.
Clutha, Southland, and Stewart Island are under an orange strong wind warning from 4pm on Sunday, March 10, to 4am on Monday, March 11, with severe gale northwest gusts of 120km/h in exposed places. Potential impacts involve tree and powerline damage, as well as hazards for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
Otago (excluding Clutha) has a strong wind watch from 6pm on Sunday, March 10, to 6am on Monday, March 11, where northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.
Fiordland (about and south of Charles Sound) has a strong wind watch from 2pm on Sunday, March 10, to 2am on Monday, March 11, with northwest winds possibly reaching severe gale in exposed places.
Canterbury High Country has a strong wind watch from 8pm on Sunday, March 10, to 10am on Monday, March 11, with the potential for northwest winds to approach severe gale in exposed places.
Wairarapa (about and north of Masterton, including Tararua District) has a strong wind watch from 11pm on Sunday, March 10, to 11am on Monday, March 11, where northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.
