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 this afternoon and overnight.

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

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…