MetService has issued a severe weather warning for Southland, Clutha, Fiordland, Westland, Tararua Range, Wairarapa, Kapiti Horowhenua and Wellington.

On Tuesday there'll be heavy rain across Fiordland, Westland and along the Tararua Range, with 80 to 140mm and possibly up to 180mm about the ranges of Westland.

Northwest gales are likely across much of the South Island and the southern parts of the North Island.

The strongest winds are expected about Fiordland, Southland, Clutha during tomorrow morning and afternoon, with severe northwest gales gusting 130 km/h in exposed places for a time.