Central Otago looks set to experience some midweek rain, but it’ll be heavier further north, according to MetService. 

MetService meteorologist Angus Hines says the month ends today much the same way it has been – warm, sunny and dry. February will kick off that on Tuesday, but changes come thereafter.

“Spells of rain are likely in Otago on Wednesday and Thursday. During this time there is a Heavy Rain Watch active for the Otago headwaters,” Angus says. 

The weather system generating this rain is going to pile heavy falls into the Southern Alps a bit further north, where over 300mm is possible. 

Central Otago will experience some midweek rain, but it’ll be heavier further north. 

Angus says Severe Weather Warnings are active for much of the central South Island, and it is possible we’ll see a rare Red Warning later in the week.

“For Otago, Thursday's rain also shifts the winds to the southwest,” he explains. 

“Before this the week will be really warm, with temperatures brushing 30C, then falling away to about 20C for the end of the week,”