Heavy rain and strong winds are forecast to sweep across the lower and middle of the South Island this weekend — prompting warnings from MetService to "remain vigilant".
MetService forecasts that most southern and central areas of the South Island will see an active front move quickly northwards on Saturday, bringing a burst of heavy northerly rain to western areas.
Exposed places may also receive the lash of gale force northerly winds.
Westland District residents in particular could have another short duration of heavy rain following recent rainfall in the area.
"People in the area should remain vigilant and up to date with the latest warnings," MetService said in a statement.
Orange heavy rain warnings are in place for Tasman west of Takaka and Buller beginning 10am Saturday and Westland District from 9pm Friday to 8am Saturday.
"Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous," Metservice said.
Canterbury High Country is also under a strong wind warning, with severe gale north to northwesterlies gusting 120 km/h in exposed places.
NIWA said part of the wet weekend weather is indirectly influenced by tropical Cyclone Kirrily despite forming some 3500km away from New Zealand in Australia's Coral Sea.
"Moisture is being siphoned into a low in the Tasman Sea, culminating in wet weather this weekend," it said.
For the North Island, MetService forecast cloud increasing and showers developing on Saturday, but only isolated showers for Hawke's Bay and Gisborne. Rain would develop wider, some heavy on Sunday, before easing to scattered showers on Monday.
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