MetService meteorologist John Law says more active weather is moving up the South Island, bringing heavy rain to the West Coast and strong winds to parts of Canterbury.

Law told Chris Lynch Media the worst of the weather would arrive later tonight, through Friday, and more especially into Saturday.

“There is some more active weather making its way up the South Island as we head through the rest of tonight, for Friday and more especially for Saturday,” Law said.

“Heavy rainfall in the western coast and strong winds through Canterbury, particularly through the high country. It is worth keeping a close eye on those Saturday forecasts and definitely planning ahead.”

Law said there were no weather warnings in place for Christchurch itself, with warnings focused more on inland areas and the high country.

He said Saturday in Christchurch was likely to start as the better part of the day before conditions deteriorated later.

“The best part of the day is probably going to be the first part through the morning, just during a bit more cloud, but the cloud will thicken up through the afternoon.

“Some rainfall will arrive in Christchurch through the second half of the day, and there will be a pretty strong, gusty northeast.”

Despite the unsettled weather, temperatures were expected to remain unusually mild.

“Because of that, it is not going to be too cold. In fact, highs are probably around 20 or 21 degrees Celsius, pretty exceptional for this time of year.”

Law said Sunday was looking better for Christchurch as the front moved away to the north.

“That band of wet weather moves away, so it is a drier story for us.

“Winds have turned more southerly, but I think we will find it is a dry day, with nice belts of sunshine.”

Temperatures would return to levels more typical for the time of year.

“Daytime highs are more appropriate for this time of year, into the teens more than anything else, but I think the better, drier, brighter, sunnier day of the weekend will be Sunday.”

Sunday also marks the shortest day of the year, with Law saying conditions would be cool for those heading to the mid winter swim at New Brighton Beach.

“Sunday is the shortest day. Once Sunday is out the way, the days get longer, and summer is on its way. It is a while away, but it is starting to head in the right direction.

“For the people down at New Brighton Beach on Sunday, I would think it will be brave folks who are heading into the water, with some cooler air as we head through the afternoon.”