Warnings

METSERVICE ISSUES ORANGE HEAVY RAIN WARNING FOR HEADWATERS OF CANTERBURY LAKES AND RIVERS; WIND WATCH FOR CANTERBURY HIGH COUNTRY

Alert opened: 15 Nov 2026

MetService Severe Weather Warning
Issued at 9:36am Sun 15 Nov 2026

A front moves slowly northwards over New Zealand today and Monday, bringing heavy northwesterly rain to the western South Island and the Tararua Range. Severe northwest gales are also possible about the Canterbury High Country, Wellington and Wairarapa.

Heavy Rain Warning - Orange

People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts.

Area: Headwaters of the Canterbury Lakes and Rivers about and south of Arthurs Pass

Period: 24hrs from 2pm Sun, 15 Nov - 2pm Mon, 16 Nov

Forecast: Expect 300 to 400 mm of rain about the main divide, and 100 to 160 mm within 20 km farther east. Peak rates of 30 to 40 mm/h expected Monday morning about the divide. Freezing level about 3200 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. Preparedness advice.

Strong Wind Watch

Area: Canterbury High Country

Period: 12hrs from 10pm Sun, 15 Nov - 10am Mon, 16 Nov

Forecast: Northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. Winds easing from the south Monday morning. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

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Radio stations in your area

  • Central Otago

    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

  • Clutha

    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  

  • Dunedin City

    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 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

     

  • Waitaki

    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