Weather: Heavy rain watch for Fiordland and Southland as tropical low develops north of New ZealandHeavy rain drenching the lower South Island could approach warning criteria today as forecasters monitor a developing tropical low that could bring unsettled weather to the upper North Island. A heavy rain watch has been issued by MetService as a front is expected to bring a period of heavy rain to Fiordland and Southland today. MetService meteorologist Katie Lyons said places such as Invercargill were already seeing rain as the system moved across the region. “A heavy rain watch is in place for Southland from 9am today through to 7pm tonight,” Lyons said. “We also have a heavy rain watch out for Fiordland from 9am today through 9pm tonight.”

Source: New Zealand Herald March 08, 2026 15:40 UTC