Updated: 8:20am – A severe weather warning is in place for most of the country as former Tropical Cyclone Fehi arrived overnight.
The low was forecast to move south east across the country today bringing heavy rain and severe gales to most places, he said.
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The West Coast of the South Island was expected to bear the brunt of the weather, with significant rain forecast.
Heavy rain was also expected for Mt Taranaki and Tararua Range.
Meanwhile, rain is starting to hit Northland and should reach Auckland with potential thunderstorms this afternoon.
Southland has activated its emergency co-ordination centre as the dry spell finally broke.
Farmers were moving their stock to higher ground ahead of the storm.
West Coast Federated Farmers president Katie Milne said all rivers in the area were prone to flooding and farmers needed to be vigilant with their stock.
Today’s weather forecast
Auckland
Showers, then rain from late morning, downpours and possible afternoon thunder. Strong, gusty northeast, changing southwest overnight. High 25°C; Low 19°C
Hamilton
Showers turn to rain late morning, downpours and possible thunderstorms from afternoon. Strong, gusty northerlies change westerly overnight. High 25°C; 17°C
Tauranga
Showers, turn to rain afternoon with downpours and possible thunderstorms. Strong northerlies, change southwest overnight. High 24°C; Low 19°C
Wellington
Few spots of rain, becoming persistent afternoon with heavy falls. Northerly gale, easing from afternoon. High 25°C; Low 15°C
Christchurch
Mostly cloudy, chance shower. Rain from evening as strong northeast turns strong or gale southwest. High 31°C; Low 9°C
Dunedin
Rain with heavy falls, easing evening. Winds changing gale southerly this morning, easing evening. High 22°C; Low 11°C
Invercargill
Rain, heavy at times, easing evening. Strong southeast turning southwest by evening. High 17°C; Low 9°C
– MetService / RNZ
Featured image: Photo: MetService