New Zealand faces heavy rain and gales next week as Autumn finally arrives. MetService warns of "further unsettled weather" to come after a dreary and rainy end to this week.
- Torrential rain causes flooding in Wellington
- Auckland receives dousing on Saturday, but it's not here to stay - forecasters
"As we head into the new week, patchy rain and drizzle in eastern areas will be clearing up, but rain will be setting in for the western South Island instead," MetService says.
"Further rain is likely for parts of the country throughout the week, but the focus this time remains on the South Island."
Rainfall maps for the upcoming week show heavy rain possible in the west on Tuesday and Wednesday.
"In addition, gale northwest winds are expected in exposed inland parts of eastern South Island during Wednesday and Thursday, with a low risk of severe gale northwesterlies about inland Canterbury," MetService warns.
Temperatures in eastern areas are expected to rise midweek before falling back as a new front arrives on Thursday.
"Temperatures will be taking a jump in the east mid-week, with many places reaching the high twenties on Wednesday, and Christchurch, Ashburton and Napier forecast to reach 29degC," MetService says.
"The temperatures across the country will peak on Wednesday before another stronger front is expected to track across the country.
"This front will bring more rain to the west coast of the country before heading to the North Island on Thursday dropping maximum expected temperatures for South Island in its wake."
Newshub.
