Rain is coming for much of the country this weekend, with heavy rain warnings in force for parts of the western South Island.
A broad trough over the Tasman Sea will approach the South Island on Saturday, driving a strong and moist wind onto western areas.
The rain wraps over the North Island on Sunday, MetService says, adding: "Warm, humid air is associated with this system so expect some duvets to get kicked off!"
Heavy rain is forecast for the west and far north of the South Island - although significant rain is also likely for some North Island areas.
"There is a moderate risk of elevated thunderstorms embedded within the rain-band over central and southern Westland from this evening, and a low risk covering the area from northern Westland to Fiordland, and also about the Canterbury and Otago headwaters near the main divide of the Southern Alps," MetService said.
"Any thunderstorms that occur will boost local rainfall rates to 15 to 25mm/h."
MetService has issued two orange heavy rain warnings, and said heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.
Orange heavy rain warnings
Area: The ranges of Tasman northwest of Motueka, Buller and Westland from Ōtira northwards
- Period: 22hrs from 6pm Sat, 2 Dec - 4pm Sun, 3 Dec
- Forecast: Expect 100 to 140mm of rain. Peak rates of 10 to 20mm/h overnight Saturday and Sunday morning.
Area: The ranges of Westland south of Ōtira
- Period: 21hrs from 2pm Sat, 2 Dec - 11am Sun, 3 Dec
- Forecast: Expect 170 to 220mm of rain about the Glaciers, and 100 to 150mm elsewhere. Peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h expected Saturday night and Sunday morning. Thunderstorms possible.
Yellow heavy rain watches
Three yellow heavy rain watches have also been issued for these areas:
Area: Mt Taranaki / Taranaki Maunga
- Period: 10hrs from 1pm - 11pm Sun, 3 Dec
- Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria.
Area: Tararua Range
- Period: 15hrs from 2pm Sun, 3 Dec - 5am Mon, 4 Dec
- Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria.
Area: Bryant and Richmond Ranges
- Period: 15hrs from 1am - 4pm Sun, 3 Dec
- Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria.
