Severe weather warnings as rain, 120 km/h gales, thunderstorms forecast for New Zealand

MetService has issued rain and wind warnings for severe conditions expected across New Zealand, particularly between Westland and Wellington, with gale-force winds and heavy rain, including potential thunderstorms, forecasted for the weekend. Temperatures are predicted to drop significantly, with possible snow down to 800m around Tekapo in the South Island’s Mackenzie Country. Exposed areas in Marlborough, the Canterbury High Country, and the capital may experience wind gusts up to 120km/h, posing risks to trees, powerlines, and driving conditions.