'Wetter weather and cooler temps' to start off the week - MetService

Heavy rain watches were issued for the Westland ranges until 8am Monday, and Fiordland north of Doubtful Sound until 10pm Sunday.

MeService says wetter conditions and cooler temperatures are forecast from tonight into Monday.

It followed a weekend of warmer temperatures and fog which disrupted dozens of flights across the country on Saturday.

The forecaster said most regions recorded temperatures in the double digits by 3pm today, with Ashburton and Napier both recording highs of 21C.

However, MetService meteorologist John Law said "some wetter weather and cooler temperatures" would return from this evening.

A front was forecast to move across southern parts of the country from this evening, bringing some heavy rain for northern Fiordland and Westland, and northwest gales for inland Canterbury.

Heavy rain watches were issued for the Westland ranges until 8am Monday, and Fiordland north of Doubtful Sound until 10pm tonight.

A strong wind watch was in place for Canterbury High Country and plains near the foothills until 6am Monday.