A sunnier weekend is expected for many parts of New Zealand after high winds and heavy rain battered swathes of the country this week.
MetService said although a severe weather warning was in place this morning for Fiordland, southern Westland, and parts of the central North Island, heavy rain in most of those areas should ease before noon.
MetService's three-day rain forecast showed rain was not expected for most parts of the North Island and the eastern South Island this weekend.
Heavy rain in and around Waitomo, Taumarunui, Tongariro National Park and the eastern Bay of Plenty ranges should clear today, MetService said.
Despite the sunnier outlook for many areas, MetService warned people to keep an eye on streams and rivers that may rise rapidly in places that recently experienced downpours.
