Heavy rain is expected in several places, with thunderstorms possible for much of the country. Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
Severe rain warnings are in place for the lower North Island and west of the South Island, with severe wind watches also in place.
Up to 90 mm of rain could fall in the ranges in Westland, Buller and Fiordland, which are under orange rain warnings. The heavy rain was expected from late morning on Saturday, with the peak expected to hit late in the afternoon and into the evening.
Otago and Southland could also experience thunderstorms on Saturday.
The rain was expected to move onto the North Island overnight from Saturday night.
An orange rain warning was issued for The Tararua Ranges in Wellington, Wairarapa, the Kāpiti Coast, Tararua and Manawatū, with heavy rain forecast from 10pm on Saturday. Up to 90mm of rain could fall, and thunderstorms are possible.
❕ Severe Weather Update
— MetService (@MetService) February 23, 2024
Several of the Watches for the West Coast (mainly the ranges) have been upgraded to Orange Warnings.
Rain moves onto the North island overnight, though high accumulations are only expected in the Tararua Range where an Orange Warning is in place.… pic.twitter.com/6Gq3YAD2aV
Sunday 25 February
On Sunday, the rainclouds were expected to keep moving northwards, with heavy rain possible in Auckland, Waikato, Coromandel and Bay of Plenty from the afternoon.
People in Gisborne and Hawke's Bay could experience thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening.
