Rain warnings, high winds expected across South Island on Labour Day

MetService has warned of foul weather over much of the South Island, as holidaymakers return from their Labour Weekend break.

An active front is expected to move over the island during Monday and early Tuesday morning, bringing heavy rain and to western and southern areas and possible severe northwest gales to the south and east.

Heavy rain warnings are in place over the Westland ranges, Canterbury lakes and rivers around Arthur's Pass and south, Otago lakes and rivers, and Fiordland.

Up to 350mm of rain are expected in parts of Westland, and MetService says streams and rivers my rise rapidly, with surface flooding and slips possible.

Driving conditions may become tricky and the agency advises motorists to drive cautiously.

Heavy rain watches are also in place for Grey and Buller districts, Queenstown Lake District, Southland and Stewart Island, while a strong wind watch is active over Canterbury high country and plains, Otago, Fiordland, Southland and Stewart Island. These will likely be upgraded to warnings by Monday.

The North Island appears relatively low risk on Monday, with cloudy skies, and some gales possible around Wellington and Wairarapa.

Parts of the country approached temperatures of 30 degrees celsius on Saturday, with Hastings and Christchurch recording 28 degrees. Both were expected to hit 26 degrees on Sunday.