It might be almost summer but the weather gods don't seem to agree.
A severe weather watch is in place for the majority of the South Island and the lower half of the North Island.
Metservice has forecast heavy rain for western parts of the country as an unstable and strong west to northwest flow moves across the country.
The heaviest falls are likely around Westland and northern Fiordland. Metservice warns the heavy falls then flowing into Canterbury headwaters and Otago lakes and rivers from Arthurs Pass southwards.
Severe west to northwest gales are also possible for eastern parts of central and southern New Zealand.
A severe weather warning is in place for Canterbury, Clutha and Southland where the strongest winds are expected.
Gales could also become severe in exposed parts of Wairarapa, Wellington, Marlborough, Otago, Canterbury and Southland.
Newshub.
