MetService is warning of heavy rain for Westland and eastern Otago, with severe gales possible across central New Zealand

A front is moving eastwards across the South Island overnight.

This means a burst of heavy rain with thunderstorms possible in the Westland ranges south of Otira, and in Dunedin and North Otago.

Northwest winds may reach severe gale from inland Canterbury to Marlborough, Wellington and Wairarapa.