Windy Anzac Day forecast

Queenstown Lakes residents are being warned to expect some strong winds tonight and early tomorrow morning.

MetService has placed a Strong Wind Watch on the area, along with Central Otago as a whole, Fiordland south of George Sound, Southland including Stewart Island, and inland Dunedin.

The forecast says northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. The warning is in place for eight hours from midnight, Wednesday, to 8am Thursday, which could make for some windy conditions at Anzac dawn services.

Rain is forecast in Queenstown Lakes tomorrow and Friday, clearing at the weekend.

Meanwhile, if you're travelling, there's a higher level warning in place for Canterbury high country, a Strong Wind Warning - Orange, for 16 hours from 2am to 6pm tomorrow, with the forecast for severe gale northwesterlies gusting 120 km/h in exposed places.

Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.

And more rain is expected for the West Coast, with a Heavy Rain Warning - Orange for the ranges of the Westland District, for 10 hours from 4am to 2pm.

Residents are being told to expect 70 to 90 mm of rain., with peak intensities of 20 to 30 mm/h, and possible thunderstorms. Further rain expected Thursday night and Friday morning for the region, which faced a deluge just two weeks ago, closing sections of SH6.

Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.

Updates on the MetService website.