Keep those jackets and umbrellas handy.

That's the message from MetService, who warned southerners to brace themselves because the wild weather which struck yesterday, would continue today.

No weather-related damage was reported after howling winds funnelled across the region overnight yesterday, but MetService duty forecaster Larissa Marintchenko said severe gusts, of up to 110kmh, were expected to cross Southland and Fiordland overnight today.

Daytime highs in Invercargill would remain between 10 and 12 degrees Celsius, going to 4C or 5C overnight.

In Milford Sound, temperatures would be even chillier - a daytime high of 8C was expected while the temperature would plummet to zero overnight.

Snow down to 300 metres was expected, but levels would rise to 500m this afternoon, while heavy showers, thunder and hail were expected to ease this evening.

Southland harbourmaster Kevin O'Sullivan warned boaties to take care, with the marine forecast for high winds and big waves.

In Central Otago, weather is expected to be cloudy and occasional showers are expected to develop early today, before clearing in the evening.

In Queenstown, showers would clear today.

alana.dixon@stl.co.nz

- © Fairfax NZ News

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