Torrential downpours on the South Island's West Coast have led to slips and road and school closures, with some sites copping nearly half a metre of rain since Sunday.

Australian cyclones, Tasman Sea marine heatwave and a low pressure have joined forces.

Rain starting to kick in on the South Island's West Coast.

A front will bring some wet weather mid-week, but it'll stay warm.

International flights have not been affected by the fog.

Clearly some people are having trouble understanding this: Climate change is real.

Fine weather is forecast for most of the country today and leading into the weekend.