Heavy rain set to sweep South Island

The weather could bring periods of thunder and strong wind gusts - with a severe weather watch put in place. Photo / Chris Loufte

Heavy rain is forecast to sweep the South Island this morning as most centres settle in for a drizzly day.

MetService said an "active front" from the Tasman Sea would cross the South Island on Sunday, expected to bring a period of heavy rain to the West Coast and ranges in Westland and Fiordland.

Trampers were advised to keep an eye on rapidly rising rivers and streams, MetService said.

The weather could bring periods of thunder and strong wind gusts - with a severe weather watch put in place.

Inland Canterbury might also experience gales as well as Marlborough, Wellington and south Wairarapa where gales could become severe.

Further rain was expected during Monday with the passage of another front coming through, MetService said.

The front would bring rain for northern and western areas with unsettled northwesterly winds persisting throughout central New Zealand through to Wednesday morning.

Snow would be possible for the mountain passes on Wednesday and Thursday, MetService said.

Auckland and Wellington are both in for a damp days today, with drizzle in the morning turning to rain this afternoon.

The capital would also see gales and a high of 13C while Auckland comes in a couple of notches warmer with a high of 15C.