A front is expected to move east over New Zealand on Tuesday, preceded by a strong moist northerly flow, MetService said.

“There is high confidence that rainfall amounts will reach warning criteria about northern Fiordland, the ranges of the Westland District and the headwaters of the Otago and Canterbury lakes and rivers south of about Arthur’s Pass,” a spokesperson said.

“Watches for heavy rain have already been issued for these areas.

“There is low confidence rainfall amounts will reach warning criteria about the Bay of Plenty and the north of Gisborne/Tairawhiti.

“There is moderate confidence that north to northwest winds could reach severe gale in exposed parts of Fiordland, Southland and the Canterbury High Country.”

On Wednesday, November 19, a slow-moving front is expected to affect the northeast corner of the North Island.

“There is moderate confidence that warning amounts of rain will accumulate about the eastern Bay of Plenty and the far north of Gisborne/Tairawhiti.”

A moist northwesterly flow is forecast for the far south of the South Island on Thursday, and there is low confidence that warning amounts of rain will accumulate in the south of Fiordland.

By Friday a moist northwesterly flow is due to affect the far south of the South Island.

“There is low confidence that warning amounts of rain will accumulate in the south of Fiordland,” MetService said.