Heavy rain's expected across the West Coast of the South Island throughout today

Met Service has issued an orange heavy rain warning for the Westland District from 7am to 7pm.

Rain watches are also in place around Fiordland and the ranges of the Grey and Buller districts until the afternoon.

It expects 100 to 120 millimetres of rain around the ranges on the Westland District and lesser amounts nearer the coast.

A yellow strong wind watch is also in place for Wairarapa, and southern Hawke's Bay from this evening through to tomorrow morning.