MetService Severe Weather Warning
Issued at 9:17pm Sat 4 Jul 2026

Amendment - upgrading coastal parts of Dunedin and Clutha to a Red Warning. A significant amount of rain is expected for low lying areas, especially impactful for parts of Dunedin and Taieri Plains.

A strong, cold southeast flow builds over the lower South Island tonight, and persists into Monday and Tuesday.
Heavy rain is likely for low lying parts of Otago and Southland (especially Dunedin and Clutha), also inland parts of north Canterbury and Marlborough. Heavy snow is expected about inland Otago and possibly south Canterbury. In addition, southeast gales may become severe for parts of Fiordland and the West Coast.

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


Heavy Rain Warning - Red

Area: Coastal Dunedin and Clutha
Period: 21 hours from 12:00pm Sun 5 Jul to 9:00am Mon 6 Jul
Forecast: Expect 80 to 120 mm of rain. The heaviest falls are likely from late Sunday afternoon until early Monday morning when intensities of 10 to 15 mm/h are possible. Note, snow level lowering and snow is possible above 200 metres inland, and there is a separate snow warning.

This is a significant amount of rain for low lying areas, especially impactful around low lying parts of Dunedin and the Taieri Plains.

Impact: Threat to life from dangerous river conditions, significant flooding and slips. Conditions will disrupt travel, make some roads impassable, and isolate communities.
Action: Do not enter floodwaters and avoid travel. Act quickly to self-evacuate if you see rising water. Be ready for power and communications outages.

Heavy Rain Warning - Orange

Area: Coastal parts of north Otago
Period: 21 hours from 12:00pm Sun 5 Jul to 9:00am Mon 6 Jul
Forecast: Expect 80 to 120 mm of rain. The heaviest falls are likely from late Sunday afternoon until early Monday morning when intensities of 10 to 15 mm/h are possible. Note, snow level lowering and snow is possible above 200 metres inland, and there is a separate snow warning.
High chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Dangerous river conditions, flooding, and slips likely. Dangerous driving conditions and road closures are expected.
Action: Do not enter floodwaters and avoid unnecessary travel. Be ready for communication and power outages. Be prepared to self-evacuate if you see rising water.


Heavy Snow Warning - Orange

Area: Otago excluding coastal areas, and northern Southland (north of about Lumsden)
Period: 21 hours from 9:00am Sun 5 Jul to 6:00am Mon 6 Jul
Forecast: Snow is expected to develop Sunday morning and the level lowers during the day, possibly down to 200 metres in places. Between 400 and 600 metres, 15 to 30 cm of snow is expected, especially south of Queenstown to Middlemarch, but accumulations may exceed 1 metre above 800 metres altitude.
Moderate chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Travel disruption and damage to trees and powerlines possible. Cold conditions may cause stress for livestock.
Action: Prepare for snow, cold temperatures, and possible power outages. If you must travel, drive cautiously, and ensure you have snow chains, sleeping bags, warm clothing, and emergency items.


MetService Road Snowfall Warnings 

Dunedin to Waitati Highway (SH1)

Valid: 17 hours from 12:00pm Sun 5 Jul to 5:00am Mon 6 Jul
Forecast: Rain could fall as snow at times about the summit from around midday Sunday. Less than 1 cm of snow may accumulate.