First rain watch of the year tonight, MetService warns could get heavy

A January cold snap filters into Marlborough from tonight, with heavy rain forecast for parts of the region overnight and watches out across the region.

MetService have issued an Orange Heavy Rain Warning for the Marlborough Sounds, Richmond Ranges and the Rai Valley for 18 hours from 7pm Wednesday 14 January with peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h expected Thursday morning.

There is also a heavy rain watch for much of the Top of the South, with the remainder of Marlborough under the watch status from 9pm tonight to 3pm Thursday.

Caution is advised when travelling in the Sounds and Rai Valley area, but also during changeable conditions.

Be aware of the possibility of slips and surface flooding especially on dried out areas of the region, as well as difficult driving conditions on SH6.