Experts forecast colder month than usual

Heavy rain is expected for areas of the South Island. Photo / Thinkstock

Blustery weather is on its way, and experts are forecasting this month to be colder than usual.

The severe weather warnings have already started, with MetService issuing warnings for the north and west of the South Island and the Tararua Range today.

Heavy rain is expected in the western and northern areas of the South Island; particularly in the ranges of Westland, Fox Glacier, Buller, Nelson Lakes and western Nelson.

Spill-over rain is also forecast at Canterbury Lakes and rivers, as well as heavy rain due in the Tararuas tomorrow.

MetService meteorologist Georgina Griffiths said this month would bring some "mean-tempered" weather.

"The month starts off relatively mild, but a change to a mean-tempered southerly and well below average temperatures is signalled for the weekend. Temperatures for the rest of August also look on the cool side, overall."

Despite spring being just around the corner, Ms Griffiths acknowledged that this month's severe cold weather would inevitably hit households in other ways.

"A colder than usual August is expected for all regions of the country. While this is likely good news for skiers, it will mean larger power bills for many of us."