Heavy rain is set to lash parts of the South Island from Wednesday as a front moves north, with further severe weather likely later in the week.
MetService has issued an orange-level heavy rain warning for the ranges of the Westland District from Wednesday evening into Thursday with up to 250mm expected to fall.
The headwaters of Canterbury and Otago's lakes and rivers were under a heavy rain watch, alongside Fiordland north of Doubtful Sound.
"Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria. Another period of heavy rain is expected from Friday afternoon," the forecaster said.
MetService meteorologist Braydon White said the wetter side of autumn was "back with a bang".
"While we’ve been enjoying the light winds and lack of rain for the last while, these crisp still mornings are about to end."
Rain would set in for the South Island's west from Wednesday, while northern parts of both islands would start to see showers throughout the day.
Thursday brings rain to most of the country, with western and northern parts experiencing some heavier bursts.
White said the wetter weather would bring "much warmer" temperatures.
"Overnight temperatures will be as much as 15C warmer than we've had recently, with minimums in the mid-to-upper teens widespread across the North Island."
More heavy rain was likely for the west of the South Island on Friday, he added, with strong winds moving through south and central areas as a second low approaches.
"The back edge of this system brings a change to strong southwesterlies as we move into the weekend, with large swells possible for western coastlines."
Full list of weather warnings and watches
Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Ranges of the Westland District - 21 hours from 9pm Wednesday to 6pm Thursday
Heavy Rain Watch
Headwaters of the Canterbury Lakes and Rivers - 15 hours from 3am to 6pm Thursday
Headwaters of the Otago Lakes and Rivers - 13 hours from 9pm Wednesday to 10am Thursday
Fiordland north of Doubtful Sound - 18 hours from 3pm Wednesday to 9am Thursday
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