Methven has already recorded wind gusts reaching 130km/h this afternoon.

Up to 290mm of rain is forecast for parts of the South Island.

Meanwhile, two centres could top 20C as mild winter rolls on.

Westland ranges may receive up to 350mm of rain over a 24-hour period.

Christchurch is expected to reach 21 degrees today but change is coming for the city and large areas of the South Island as heavy rain and strong winds remain the forecast for…

Christchurch has hit a record June high of nearly 25C as northwesterly winds buffet the South Island and lower North Island, with MetService warning of heavy rain and strong winds…

Methven has already recorded wind gusts reaching 130km/h this afternoon.

Christchurch has smashed its June temperature records, hitting 25.1 C at 2pm today, as northwesterly winds buffet the South Island and lower North Island.