Heavy rain and strong winds forecast for parts of New Zealand
Tuesday 13 October 2026 · 3 outlets · 6 reports · updated In this story MetService
A slow-moving weather front is bringing heavy rain and strong winds across much of the country. An orange heavy rain warning was issued for Buller, while persistent rain has been forecast for the West Coast and Canterbury. Temperatures are expected to drop following the wet weather.
Key facts
4 facts
- Orange heavy rain warning issued for Buller
- Strong wind watches for Wellington and Marlborough Sounds
- Dunedin City Council opened sandbagging stations in Saint Kilda and Mosgiel
- Snow possible on higher South Island roads including Porters Pass and Arthur's Pass
The full story
1 min read · 3 outlets
A slow-moving weather front is bringing heavy rain and strong winds to parts of New Zealand. Buller has been the most affected region, with an orange heavy rain warning issued for the area. MetService meteorologist Juliana Bergdolt stated, "They've had some pretty consistent rain since yesterday evening".
Heavy rain watches are in place for Taranaki Maunga, the Tararua Range, parts of Westland, Canterbury, and Otago. In Wellington and the Marlborough Sounds, strong wind watches are in effect, with northerly winds potentially reaching severe gale force in exposed places.
The weather front is expected to move towards the North Island, bringing rain to much of the North Island. Dunedin City Council has opened sandbagging stations at the Dunedin Ice Stadium and Mosgiel Memorial Park as a precaution against expected rainfall of 30mm to 50mm.
Temperatures have dropped significantly following a period of warm weather. Christchurch and Dunedin, which previously saw highs in the mid-20s, were expected to see highs of 15C and 12C respectively.
How it developed
- Wed 14 Oct, 4:13pmThe report notes the weather front has stalled over Buller and is expected to move towards the North Island.
Where reports differ
- Reports provide different timeframes for the Buller heavy rain warning, with one stating it was in place until 9pm Wednesday and another stating it lasts from 8am to 10pm Wednesday.
Compiled from reports by Stuff, NZ Herald and 1News.
