Much of the country could expect strong winds and "unsettled" conditions this weekend, according to MetService.
A very strong west to southwest flow will develop over the country on Saturday, then eases during Sunday.
The forecaster issued strong wind watches for Coromandel Peninsula, and Bay of Plenty west of Edgecombe, Hawke's Bay south of Wairoa, the Tararua District, Tasman District west of Motueka and Dunedin, Clutha, Southland south of Gore, and Stewart Island from Saturday.
MetService meteorologist Heather Keats told Breakfast there would be some rain bands moving over the upper north and south islands today.
"We've got a very fast moving, but weakening cold front heading up the South Island, so we've kind of got it coming from both ends."
'Classic spring' outlook as weather systems hit both ends of the country - watch on TVNZ+
She said the "very active" and unsettled weather would continue into the weekend.
"We've got a lot of thunderstorms. We've already had quite a few sparks overnight, especially for the upper north. But that's going to continue today with some downpours that'll be squally. There'll be very strong wind gusts as well," she said.
She said this could mean a “headache” for Auckland commuters toward the end of the day.
“But the risk for thunderstorms today is just pretty much kind of everywhere.
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including the hunt for Charlie Kirk’s killer, legal experts weigh in on the Marokopa case, and is the new Sims inspired by New Zealand? (Source: Breakfast)
She said looking to the weekend there were strong westerlies with southwest and westerly flows forecast.
"We get fast fronts that kind of race over the country. And that's kind of what we're going to have this weekend.
"Still quite a few showers around, a little bit of snow to the higher passes in the South Island, but wind's going to be the theme for the weekend, very windy."
West to southwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places, the forecaster said.
There was also a "moderate" chance of strong wind watches being upgraded to warning level, or new areas added.
Full list of watches and warnings
Strong Wind Watch
Coromandel Peninsula, and Bay of Plenty west of Edgecombe - 14 hours from 1pm Saturday.
Hawke's Bay south of Wairoa, and the Tararua District - 20 hours from 10am Saturday.
Tasman District west of Motueka - 21 hours from 9am Saturday.
Dunedin, Clutha, Southland south of Gore, and Stewart Island - nine hours from 8am to 5pm Saturday.
Road Snowfall Warning
Crown Range Road - two hours from 10am today.
Milford Road (SH94) - four hours from 8am to midday today.
SHARE ME