A large portion of the country is under heavy rain watches and warnings in the lead up to New Year's Eve, with MetService updating its forecast this afternoon.
In the North Island, Northland, Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula are under a heavy rain watch until 5am tomorrow, with thunderstorms possible.
"Periods of heavy rain, with thunderstorms possible, and amounts may approach broadscale warning criteria or even exceed warning amounts in localised areas," MetService said.
"Downpours of 25 to 40 mm/h are possible with or without thunderstorms."
The areas surrounding Waikato and Waitomo, including Taumarunui, Taupo, Tongariro National Park and the Kaimanawa Mountains, all have a heavy rain watch in place from 5am today until 3am tomorrow.
Bay of Plenty can expect the same, with its heavy rain watch due to end at 8am tomorrow, with the Tararua Range's set to see rain until late this evening.
Those on holiday in Mount Taranaki should batten down the hatches with a heavy rain warning in place - expect to see 120 to 150 mm of rain. The warning is set to end late this evening.
In the upper South Island, Buller, Richmond, and Bryant ranges, including the Rai Valley, are all under a heavy rain watch, with both places potentially seeing heavy rain. Richmond and Bryant ranges may be upgraded to a heavy rain warning depending on rainfall.
Those in Nelson, northwest of Motueka, should expect to see 100 to 140 mm of rain, with thunderstorms possible. Nelson is expected to see peak rates this morning.
MetService said: "Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly."
The ranges of Westland, south of Otira is also under a heavy rain warning, set to last until tomorrow morning. Residents can expect to see 110 to 160 mm of rain, with overnight bursts also expected overnight Saturday and on Sunday morning.
"Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous," MetService said.
Fiordland is under a heavy rain watch, with periods of heavy rain expected and thunderstorms possible. Fiordland may also be upgraded to a heavy rain warning, and more bursts of rain are expected overnight Saturday and on Sunday morning.
SHARE ME