South Island residents urged to avoid rivers

Heavy rain is lashing the South Island. Environment Canterbury says big falls on the Main Divide will cause the alpine rivers to start rising very rapidly tonight.

People are being warned not to use the Waitaki, Rangitata, Rakaia, Waimakariri, Hurunui and Waiau Rivers.

Weather analyst Phillip Duncan says there is a large low pressure system in place which is bringing unsettled weather to much of the country today, after a hot and dry start to the new year.

He says despite the rain, temperatures are still high, with many areas in the North Island not dropping below 20 degrees overnight.

- NEWSTALK ZB