A period of heavy rain for Fiordland today, and heavy rain and snow for parts of Otago and Southland on Monday

A front brings heavy rain to Fiordland today (Saturday).

A low is developing in the Tasman Sea and is forecast to affect the country from Monday. Persistent and cold easterlies are expected to develop over the southern South Island, bringing heavy rain and possible heavy snow above 500 metres.

People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts as regions are likely to be upgraded and more regions added.

Area: Eastern Otago

Period: 18hrs from noon Mon, 29 Jul - 6am Tue, 30 Jul

Forecast: A period of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria. High chance of upgrading to a 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.

Area: Fiordland from Resolution Island southwards

Period: 11hrs from 9am - 8pm Sat, 27 Jul

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

Area: Inland areas of Otago and Southland as well as eastern Fiordland

Period: 15hrs from 3pm Mon, 29 Jul - 6am Tue, 30 Jul

Forecast: A period of heavy snow above 500 metres, where snowfall amounts may approach warning criteria. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Issued: 9:33am Sat, 27 Jul
Next update: 9pm Sat, 27 Jul
Action advice supplied by the National Emergency Management Agency.