A fast-moving front is set to move across central and southern Aotearoa on Friday, bringing heavy rain and strong winds, forecasters say.
On Wednesday, Te Ratonga Tirorangi/MetService issued heavy rain and strong wind watches for several regions.
Heavy rain watches
Buller District about the ranges will be under a heavy rain watch from 10am until at least 8pm on Friday.
Westland about the ranges will also be under a heavy rain watch but from 12 hours to 4pm on Friday.
The front will bring "a period of heavy rain with possible thunderstorms", to these areas, said MetService. The front will be followed by relatively cool west-to-southwest winds.
It will remain relatively clear for most of the rest of New Zealand on Friday.
Strong wind watches
Meanwhile, it's possible there will be gale-force winds in central parts of the country, especially in exposed places, MetService said.
Strong wind watches have been issued for the following areas, from 1pm to 9pm on Friday (8 hours):
- Wairarapa (from Masterston southwards)
- Wellington
- Marlborough Sounds
The weekend
On Saturday, a trough is forecast to move across northern Aotearoa, followed by a strong, cool southwest flow.
A ridge of high pressure should dominate over most of Te Waipounamu/the South Island on Saturday.
On Sunday, the ridge moves over central and northern New Zealand bringing mainly fine weather, while a strengthening northwest flow develops in the far south.
