A wet weekend for most:

A broad trough and associated fronts are forecast to cross New Zealand during the next few days bringing rain to many places. The heaviest falls are expected about northern Fiordland, Westland and western Nelson and a HEAVY RAIN WARNING is in force for these areas.

An active front currently over Northland this morning is forecast to cross Auckland and Coromandel Peninsula this afternoon and Bay of Plenty this evening. This front is expected to bring a brief period of heavy rain and northeast gales to these areas.

This WATCH is for HEAVY RAIN and possible SEVERE GALES for the following areas -

NORTHLAND, AUCKLAND and COROMANDEL PENINSULA: A short burst of heavy rain and possible severe northeast gales is expected in Northland this morning, Auckland from late morning to mid-afternoon and Coromandel Peninsula from early afternoon to early evening.

BAY OF PLENTY: A period of heavy rain is expected from later this afternoon through to early Saturday morning. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria during this time, mainly about the ranges (for example 50 to 80mm falling in 12 to 15 hours).

MT TARANAKI: A period of heavy rain is expected for a time this afternoon and evening.

This WATCH is also for the possibility of significant rainfalls about the following areas -

HAWKES BAY AND WAIRARAPA BETWEEN NAPIER AND MASTERTON: A period of moderate or possibly heavy rain is expected during Saturday and Sunday, especially about the hills and ranges where rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria (for example 100mm falling over 24 hours).

MARLBOROUGH: Heavy rain is expected in northern areas this afternoon and evening ( Friday), then shifting to the Kaikoura Ranges during Saturday.

SOUTHLAND, ALSO SOUTHERN AND EASTERN OTAGO, ESPECIALLY CLUTHA AND DUNEDIN: A period of sustained rain is expected from Saturday afternoon through to early Sunday, with snow lowering to 400 metres during this time.Rainfall amounts here could approach local warning criteria of 50mm falling in 12 hours, with significant snowfalls also possible above 500 metres.