MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris said the calm and settled weather the South Island had been enjoying would cease for the next few days with wind watches in effect from yesterday.
The wind would be followed by rain and snow across much of the south, he said.
"It’s going to be quite similar to what happened early last week. It’s not looking quite as cold, but it’s a similar flavour."
A strong wind warning is in force for the Canterbury High Country until 11pm today, and Christchurch is also expected to be breezy.
A heavy rain warning is in place for the Canterbury headwaters about and south of Arthur's Pass until 10pm tonight.
The MetService said to expect 110mm to 180mm near the divide and 90mm to 130mm within about 20km east of the divide.
"Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous."
From tomorrow morning, heavy rain is forecast for the West Coast of the South Island which may cause slips and surface flooding.
MetService has warned streams and rivers may rise rapidly, with 20-30mm of rainfall expected per hour at its peak.
But after the wind had done its dash, the rain would pick up, Ferris said.The wind would mainly come from the west throughout much of today, but it would turn later in the day.
The southerly, or southwesterly, change, would bring a drop in temperatures.
That was also when the rain would hit.
There was the potential for snow to fall overnight and into tomorrow for the lower South Island.
MetService is predicting snow to low levels (100m) and said it could briefly become heavy.
Snow amounts could approach warning criteria above 400m during this time.
A snow watch is also in place for Fiordland south of Dusky Sound between 9pm today and 6am tomorrow.
A heavy rain watch is in place for the Otago headwaters for 12 hours from 3am today.
