A high over New Zealand is bringing settled and mild weather conditions to most centres today.

As of 12 noon the upper North Island was already in the mid 20s with Whangaparaoa and Kaikohe at 24 degrees.  Auckland was on 23 and still climbing.

Most North Island regions are currently between 20 and 23 degrees, same as the upper South Island.

Christchurch has 18 degrees and a breezy nor’easter while a warm north to north west wind in Southland is bumping temperatures into the low 20s for Invercargill and Lumsden.

The nor’wester is ahead of a cold front which is approaching from the south west and is going to bring heavy rain to the West Coast.

Government forecaster, MetService, has issued rain warnings for Westland and Fiordland:

Westland

Heavy Rain Warning, Areas Affected: Westland south of Harihari Rain is forecast to become heavy Monday afternoon. In the 15 to 18 hours starting around midday Monday, expect 80 to 120mm of rain about the ranges, with up to 50mm near the coast. Heaviest falls should be Monday evening or overnight Monday, when rates could reach 25mm per hour about the ranges.

Fiordland

Heavy Rain Warning, Areas Affected: Fiordland Rain is expected to become heavy Monday morning. In the 12 to 15 hours starting around 9am Monday, 80 to 100mm of rain is likely. Heaviest falls are expected in the afternoon and evening, when rates could reach 25mm per hour.

– Homepage image / Zelda Wynn