Severe weather watches issued as rain and wind strike South Island

There’s a real contrast between the North and South Island on Thursday, with heavy rain and strong wind watches issued.

MetService meteorologist Devlin Lyndon told Stuff a band of rain continues to travel up the South Island but should weaken as the day goes on.

Heavy rain watches are in force for Fiordland north of about Doubtful Sound and the ranges of Westland until 9pm.

Fiordland, Otago, Southland and Stewart Island are under a strong wind watch until 11am and Canterbury High Country until 3pm Thursday.

MetService says all the heavy rain and strong wind watches have a moderate chance of upgrading to warnings.