MetService Severe Weather Warnings
Issued at 9:46am Sat 4 Jul 2026

Heavy rain, severe gales and snow for parts of the South Island

A front moves northwards over the South Island today. The front is preceded by strong northwest winds and followed by cold south to southeast winds. Heavy rain is likely in several areas, and is expected to turn to snow in the south during Sunday.

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

Heavy Rain Warnings - Orange

Area: Coastal Otago
Period: 27 hours from 6:00am Sun 5 Jul to 9:00am Mon 6 Jul
Forecast: Expect 75 to 100 mm of rain. The heaviest falls are likely Sunday evening and Monday morning when intensities of 10 mm/h are possible. Note, snow level lowering and snow is possible above 200 metres and there is a separate snow warning.
Low chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.

Area: Headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers
Period: 7 hours from 9:00am Sat 4 Jul to 4:00pm Sat 4 Jul
Forecast: Expect a further 80 to 120 mm of rain about the main divide, and 40 to 60 mm within 20 km farther east. Peak rates of 20 to 30 mm/h expected about the main divide, with thunderstorms possible. Freezing level about 2200 metres, gradually lowering to 1800 metres.
Minimal chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.

Area: Headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers south of Arthur's Pass
Period: 12 hours from 9:00am Sat 4 Jul to 9:00pm Sat 4 Jul
Forecast: Expect a further 100 to 150 mm of rain about the main divide, and 60 to 100 mm within 20 km farther east. Peak rates of 20 to 30 mm/h expected about the main divide, with thunderstorms possible. Freezing level around 2200 metres.
Minimal chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.

Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.
Action: Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.


Heavy Snow Warning - Orange

Area: Otago, excluding coastal areas, and northern Southland
Period: 24 hours from 6:00am Sun 5 Jul to 6:00am Mon 6 Jul
Forecast: Snow is expected to develop Sunday morning and the level lower during the day, possibly as low as 200 metres. Above 400 metres, expect over 15 cm of snow to accumulate, with 10 cm possible in 3 to 4 hours. Snow accumulations below 600 metres could reach 25 to 30 cm but may exceed 1 metre above 800 metres altitude, especially south of Queenstown to Middlemarch.
Low 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: 10 hours from 12:00pm Sun 5 Jul to 10:00pm Sun 5 Jul
Forecast: Rain is expected to turn to snow about the summit around midday Sunday. During Sunday afternoon and evening up to 1 cm of snow may accumulate near the summit.

Crown Range Road 
Valid: 9 hours from 7:00am Sun 5 Jul to 4:00pm Sun 5 Jul
Forecast: The snow level is expected to lower during Sunday morning and reach 400 metres in the afternoon. Above 600 metres, expect 1 to 3 cm of snow to accumulate during Sunday morning and afternoon.

Lindis Pass (SH8)
Valid: 22 hours from 2:00am Sun 5 Jul to 12:00am Mon 6 Jul
Forecast: Snow showers expected about the summit early Sunday and 1 to 3 cm may accumulate there by dawn. Snow showers gradually lowering to 400 metres during the afternoon and 10 to 15 cm may accumulate about the summit and 1 to 3 cm down to 400 metres.

Haast Pass (SH6) 
Valid: 22 hours from 10:00am Sun 5 Jul to 8:00am Mon 6 Jul
Forecast: Snow showers expected about the summit eastwards and 2 to 5 cm may accumulate above 400 metres.