People travelling around the South Island this weekend to take advantage of the warm weather are being encouraged to also plan for the impact of expected gale force winds and heavy rain, and to take extra care on the roads.

MetService has a host of weather warnings and watches in place for the weekend, when temperatures are expected to tip over 30 deg C in some parts of the South Island.

These include a strong wind warning for Canterbury about the high country and near the foothills from Saturday night through Sunday, while heavy rain warnings apply for Westland ad Fiordland between Haast and Doubtful Sound from 3am on Saturday, and from 11pm Saturday for the ranges of the Westland District about and north of Haast.

Lesser wind and rain watches are in place for most of the rest of the South Island, including Otago and Southland.

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi urges road users to plan ahead and adjust their driving to the conditions on the state highways. Heavy rain can cause surface flooding and slips, in addition to loss of traction. People should think about adjusting their speeds and travelling distances, avoiding sudden braking and staying visible.

In gale force winds, those driving high-sided vehicles, motorcycles and towing vehicles should be especially cautious.

State highways may have restrictions placed on them where obstructions arise or public safety is at risk.  

Stay up to date on the weather conditions at the MetService site , and on the status of the state highways at our Journey Planner site.

A messy picture of weather warnings and watches below for the South Island, from MetService. Photo: NZTA