Temperatures are varying across the South Island this morning but the nor’ wester is strong in places and pushing the mercury up.

It’s 14 degrees at Dunedin Airport this morning with a blustery northwesterly and Ashburton isn’t too far behind with 12.

Christchurch isn’t getting the fohn wind yet and as a result is just 5 degrees.

Heavy rain is falling over parts of the West Coast and western parts of Southland, with a few lighter falls further east in the province.

Conditions are expected to be unpleasant in the deep south, with the possibility of gales and some hail off and on throughout the day, about coastal Southland.