Severe weather is anticipated for much of the South Island this weekend, including heavy rain and strong winds.

Metservice said heavy rain watches are in place for Westland south of Otira from 6pm Saturday to 10am Sunday, headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers about and south of Arthur’s Pass from 6pm Saturday to 10am Sunday; headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers from 3pm Saturday to 3am Sunday; and Fiordland from 10am to midnight on Saturday.

Christchurch should miss much of the bad weather, with fine spells on Saturday at first, then cloud increasing with a few spots of rain possible in the evening.

Northerlies, becoming strong in the afternoon.

Strong wind watches are in place for Canterbury High Country from 4pm Saturday to 5am Sunday and for Otago (excluding North Otago), Southland and Fiordland from midday to 9pm Saturday.

Heavy rain and possible severe northwest gales on Saturday are forecast for parts of the South Island.

“Please keep up to date with the latest forecasts as parts of this watch may be upgraded to warnings and further areas are likely to be added,” MetService said.