Springtime northwesterlies and rain are set to hammer central and southern New Zealand from Sunday.
MetService chief forecaster Peter Kreft said heavy rain was very likely along the West Coast of the South Island on Sunday and Monday.
There was also "a good chance" of significant rainfall in parts of Canterbury, Otago and Southland - which was not nearly as common with northwesterlies.
On Monday, the wind will make its presence felt around central New Zealand, with gales expected from Hawkes Bay to Cook Strait.
MetService has issued a severe weather watch for heavy rain and strong winds, which was likely to be upgraded to a rain warning tomorrow morning
