MetService meteorologist Ngaire Wotherspoon said there was “still some question” about where the heaviest falls would be.
A low-pressure centre was likely to develop inside a front moving over the country: “Where the low will centre will form ... will determine where the heaviest rain falls,” Wotherspoon said.
“The most likely areas will be along the eastern stretch of the country.”
As the low-pressure centre forms, it is likely strong northeasterly winds will swirl around and hit Aotearoa.
“By the end of the weekend most corners of the country will have seen some wet weather,” Wotherspoon said.
In Auckland, Saturday and Sunday have forecast highs of 16C. Rain should ease to showers this morning and become widespread about midday with the chance of thunderstorms.
MetService forecasts a partly cloudy Sunday with some isolated showers and strong south-westerlies easing in the afternoon.
Wellington is forecast to have cloud increasing and periods of heavy rain from late morning and a high of 12C on Saturday. On Sunday, there is a high of 13C, and occasional rain will become persistent in the afternoon and evening.
Christchurch has a mostly cloudy Saturday with rain developing from late morning, and a high of 12C. The temperature should remain the same on Sunday. Rain eases to showers in the afternoon.
Dunedin should sit on 12C for the weekend. Saturday remains mostly cloudy with occasional rain developing in the evening. Occasional rain is forecast for Sunday, clearing to become fine in the afternoon.
It comes off the back of a clear, chilly run of days for much of the country since bitter winds buffeted the country earlier this week.
“There are ... a few good days on the horizon next week as the low moves away,” Wotherspoon said.
Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022.
