Low pressure, currently centred right over central New Zealand, will continue to bring heavy rain to parts of the country.

The main threat today will be about Waikato, Hawkes Bay, Gisborne, Canterbury and eastern Otago.

On the North Island, the heavy rain threat will diminish by mid-morning about the Waikato.  The threat then shifts to the Hawkes Bay and Gisborne for the late morning and afternoon hours.  No rain warnings are in effect.

On the South Island, periods of heavy rain are expected throughout the day Canterbury and eastern Otago.  Government forecaster MetService has heavy rain warnings continuing for Canterbury, south of the Hurunui River.  A total of 70 to 100mm of rain is expected by late tonight, which includes rain that has already fallen since last night.  Rainfall rates of 2 to 4 mm/hr are expected with occasional peak rates of 5-10mm/hr.

Heavy rain warnings also remain in effect for eastern Otago.  50 to 80 mm of total rainfall is expected by the time it eases tonight.  Again, this includes rain that has already fallen since last night.

Rainfall rates of 2-3mm/hr are expected for eastern Otago.  Peak rates of 5-10mm are possible.

Heavy rain could return on Tuesday to south Canterbury and eastern Otago.

Snow will remain above 700m.

By WeatherWatch Analyst Howard Joseph