Parts of the South Island's are likely to face severe weather this weekend

Metservice has issued a heavy rain warning for Fiordland, and a heavy rain watch for the ranges of Westland until early Monday.

Severe gales are forecast for the Canterbury High Country today, with strong winds expected across the Southern Lakes, parts of Southland and Central Otago tomorrow.

Meteorologist Develin Lynden says a prolonged, slow-moving front will move through the South and clear by next week.

He says wet weather will storm the east, and windy conditions will blow to the east.