Central’s Anzac Day dawn services are likely to be met with unsettled weather, including wind and rain.

MetService meteorologist Ngaire Wotherspoon said while the district’s many services could be held under damp skies, the biggest concern was for wind.

A strong wind watch has been issued for some parts of the South Island, including Central Otago from 6pm Wednesday until 8am on Anzac Day.

She said wind speeds could approach severe gale in exposed places.

A strong northwesterly flow over the South Island is expected to bring rain to mainly the West Coast ahead of a series of fronts passing on Anzac Day, with the potential to spill over into Central on Anzac morning and again in the evening.

However, accumulations in Central were not expected to be anywhere near the amounts predicted on the West Coast.

“I'd recommend anyone heading out for [a] dawn/morning service to stay up to date with the latest forecasts and wear a raincoat for protection against the wind, even if there isn't much rain.”

The heaviest falls are expected in the morning and again in the evening as fronts pass over the island, which have prompted heavy rain watches for Fiordland and Westland from late Wednesday night to early Friday morning.

To keep up to date with weather forecasts click on The Central App's Weather & Reports button.

For a list of Anzac Day services across the district click on our What's On button.