Alert opened: 03 Jul 2026
MetService Severe Weather Warning
Issued at 9:12am Fri 3 Jul 2026
Heavy rain and gales will affect parts of the South Island
A front preceded by a strong moist northerly flow approaches New Zealand from the west today, and moves east over the South Island on Saturday. Warning amounts of rain are expected to affect some western areas, and severe gales are possible in exposed places.
People are advised to keep up to date with latest forecasts.
Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Area: Headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers
Period: 15 hours from 1:00am Sat 4 Jul to 4:00pm Sat 4 Jul
Forecast: Expect 180 to 220 mm of rain about the main divide, and 100 to 140 mm within 20 km farther east. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h expected Saturday morning and early Saturday afternoon about the divide, with thunderstorms possible. Freezing level about 2500 metres, gradually lowering to 1800 metres.
Minimal chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.
Action: Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.
Affected districts
Know where you can find up to date information
Maniototo Burn - 92.3 FM/729 AM
More FM - 90.3 FM / 94.3 FM
RNZ National - 101.5 FM/639 AM
Newstalk ZB - 89.6 FM / 95.1 FM / 90.6 FM
Radio Central - 91.9 FM (Alexandra, Clyde, Cromwell), 94.3FM (Teviot Valley), 104.3 FM (Maniototo)
Radio Live - 95.9 FM
Radio Wanaka - 92.2 FM
The Hits - 99.9 FM
More FM - 93.7 FM (South Otago from Clinton), 92.9 FM (Balclutha),
107.1 FM (from Lawrence).
Hokonui - 94.8 FM (Southland), 91.3 FM & 88.3 FM (South Otago),
95.2FM (West Otago)
RNZ National - 101.4 FM / 810 AM
Radio Dunedin - 1305 AM, 95.4 & 106.7FM
More FM - 97.4 FM
The Hits - 89.4 FM
The Breeze - 98.2 FM
Magic Talk - 96.6 FM
Newstalk ZB - 1044 AM
RNZ National - 101.4 FM
RNZ National - 810 AM
OAR FM - 105.4 FM, 1575 AM
Queenstown Lakes - Queenstown
More FM - 92 FM
The Hits - 90.4 FM
Newstalk ZB - 89.6 FM
RNZ National - 101.6 FM/1134 AM
Queenstown Lakes - Wanaka
Radio Wanaka - 92.2 FM
More FM - 99.4 FM
The Hits - 96.2 FM
RNZ - 101.0 FM
Newstalk ZB 90.6 FM
More FM - 100 FM
RNZ National - 101.4 FM & 810 AM
Newstalk ZB - 1395 AM
Oamaru Heritage Radio - 88.3 & 107 FM
Real- 104FM
The Hits - 98.4 FM
Oamaru FM - 91.2FM
The Breeze- 97.6 FM
Puketapu Radio - 756 AM
