MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Southland, Clutha and Dunedin from 2pm to 7pm on Wednesday 11 November, warning of localised downpours of 25mm to 40mm an hour.
Forecasters expect a showery, unstable airmass to develop over the lower South Island during the afternoon, 1News reported.
MetService said rain that heavy could cause surface or flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas near streams and rivers or in narrow valleys, and could also set off slips.
"Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain," MetService said.
MetService's forecast for Invercargill, issued at 9.03am, was for showers, mostly in the afternoon and evening, with some heavy and thundery. Winds were light, with southerlies expected later in the day. The forecast high was 18C after an overnight low of 10C.
Gore was forecast to reach 19C, with heavy, thundery showers also possible there in the afternoon and evening and the chance of localised downpours.
Further north, eastern Bay of Plenty and the Gisborne ranges were under an orange heavy rain warning until 5pm, and a heavy rain watch covered the Westland ranges.
Thunderstorms were also expected in parts of the northern North Island and the western South Island, the NZ Herald reported.
What happens next
Invercargill can expect a few showers on Thursday, clearing in the evening, with gusty westerlies and a high of 16C. Friday is forecast to be fine, with a high of 14C. Niwa said a front was expected to clear the country on Friday, with settled weather for the weekend.
Saturday is forecast to be partly cloudy with a high of 19C, before rain develops in Invercargill on Sunday morning. Updated watches and warnings are posted at metservice.com.
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