A front will be moving northeast onto the south of the South Island on Tuesday, according to the MetService.

"There is moderate confidence that severe gales will affect exposed parts of Fiordland and Southland. There is low confidence that warning amounts of rain will affect Fiordland," a MetService spokesperson said. 

On Wenesday the front is forecast to move northeast over the South Island.

"There is moderate confidence that warning amounts of rain will affect the Westland District but low confidence that warning amounts of rain will accumulate in Fiordland, the Grey District and Buller.

"There is moderate confidence that severe northwest gales will affect the Canterbury high country and low confidence in severe northwest gales for Wellington."

The front is expected to weaken over central New Zealand by Thursday and MetService said there is low confidence that warning amounts of rain will accumulate about the Tararua Ranges.  

On Friday a ridge of high pressure should be affecting much of the nation and the risk of severe weather is minimal.