After a relatively settled Matariki Friday for most, heavy rain and strong winds are on their way to southern parts of the country for the rest of the long weekend.
A front is hanging over central North Island/Te Ika a Māui, bringing showers to northern parts of the island, MetService said.
Further south, an active front preceded by strong winds will move east over the South Island/Te Waipounamu on Sunday and Monday, bringing heavy rain to western regions.
Eastern parts of the country will be the driest spots on Saturday and Sunday, according to WeatherWatch.
MetService urges people to take caution in heavy rain, as streams and rivers may rise rapidly. There may also be surface flooding or slips.
Westland District Ranges
A heavy rain warning (orange) was issued for Westland district ranges, from 6pm Sunday until at least midday Monday.
Up to 180mm of rain is forecast, with the highest rainfall expected about Mt Cook/Aoraki overnight Sunday and Monday morning. The freezing level will be about 2000m.
There's a low chance this may be upgraded to a red warning.
Canterbury High Country/Waitaha
A heavy rain watch (yellow) has been issued for the lakes and headwaters of Canterbury High Country/Waitaha south of Arthur's Pass, from midnight Sunday until 3pm Monday.
Periods of heavy rain are expected and the freezing level will be about 2200m. There's a moderate chance the watch could be upgraded to a warning.
In addition to heavy rain, a strong wind watch (yellow) also applies here from 9pm Sunday until 12pm Monday.
Northwest winds may approach gale-force in exposed places and there's a low chance it may be upgraded to a warning (orange).
Otago/Ōtākou Lakes and Headwaters
A heavy rain watch (yellow) has been issued for the lakes and headwaters of Otago/Ōtākou, lasting from 9pm Sunday until 12pm Monday.
Expect periods of heavy rain, with a moderate chance it could be upgraded to a warning (orange). The freezing level will be about 2000m.
Fiordland/Te Rua o te Moko
Finally, a heavy rain watch (yellow) has also been issued for Fiordland/Te Rua o te Moko, about and north of Doubtful Sound. The watch applies here from 3pm Sunday until 6am Monday.
Expect periods of heavy rain here, with a moderate chance of upgrading to a warning (orange).
Weather next week
Next week, a front will move east across the country bringing heavy rain and gales to many areas. More weather warnings are likely to be issued on Sunday.
As the week continues, a low-pressure trough will bring freezing cold southerly winds to all regions and snow to southern regions.
