Blustery northerly winds and cloud cover has kept it pretty warm this Friday morning but these winds could cause issue today as the current Strong Wind Warning is in force until 11pm.

MetService reports as at 10am today:

Heavy Rain Warning - Orange-rated

From 3pm Fri, 5 Aug - 6am Sat, 6 Aug

Area: The headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers

Forecast: Expect 140 to 200 mm of rain about the main divide, and 70 to 120 mm within 25 km east of the divide. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h expected about the divide. Note that significant snow melt is likely to occur. Freezing level around 2300 metres.

Impact: Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.

Strong Wind Warning - Orange-rated

From 8am - 11pm Fri, 5 Aug

Area: Fiordland, Southland, Stewart Island and Otago

Forecast: Northwest gales are forecast to be severe at times, with gusts reaching 130 km/h in exposed places.

Impact: Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.

Especially windy places could see gusts to 130kmph, most likely along ridgetops. The wind eases Saturday morning.

Rain makes its way across Central Otago this evening and the risk of a few showers lingers into Saturday but it is still looking like the better day of the weekend for outdoor activities.

A southerly breeze brings in a surge of cold air Sunday morning followed by some rain which could see snow fall as low as 200m in the evening.

MetService is forecasting a maximum in the high-teens today, mid-teens for Saturday, dipping into single digits on Sunday and remaining that way into the new week with a bit more rain possible on Monday.

Next week is looking cool but calm. For up to date live reports go to Weather via The Central App.