New Zealand is in for a rainy Sunday night as a "complex low" approaches the country from the Tasman Sea.
"Western regions from Northland and Auckland, down to Wellington, and across the upper South Island, will see rain gradually set in from tomorrow afternoon, with the bulk of rainfall expected at night," MetService says.
"As the system moves across the country on Monday, eastern areas of the North Island will see some scattered falls, but sheltering from the ranges will mean it may not be enough to provide relief to parched soil.
"Meanwhile, southern and eastern parts of the South Island are relatively dry, save for a shower or two."
A heavy rain warning has been issued for the Nelson area west of Motueka, including Golden Bay and Takaka, which can expect 90 to 130mm of northerly rain and peak rates of 10 to 20mm/h, especially overnight Sunday.
Heavy rain watches are in place for the ranges of Buller, Nelson region, Marlborough Sounds, and Mount Taranaki.
