Rain alert as nasty front heads north

Bad weather could cause localised flooding and treacherous driving conditions.Photo / Chris Loufte

A nasty patch of weather expected to hit the waterlogged Whanganui region is instead heading Auckland's way today and it could cause localised flooding and treacherous driving conditions.

The weather over the weekend, while still damp in some parts, should be on the improve. In Wellington a cloudy and windy day is forecast for the highly anticipated Super 15 rugby final between the Hurricanes and the Highlanders.

Philip Duncan, of WeatherWatch, said the latest rain data showed the "area of concern" had shifted north of Whanganui.

The front was weakening as it headed up the North Island but may strengthen again near Auckland because of a newly forming low, meaning the two competing weather systems enter a nasty "tug of war".

A narrow band of rain is expected to move into the city this evening and could ensure a wet night, with rain heavy to torrential.

"Despite this forecast as much as 80 per cent of the region may not be affected. It's what we like to call 'one to watch'," Mr Duncan said.

He said the soaking could cause localised flooding in creeks and rivers, slips and coastal erosion, surface flooding on highways and motorways and poor visibility for motorists and boaties.

The worst of the weather is expected from 6pm to midnight in Auckland, from 6pm to 6am north of Albany and Whenuapai and from 2am to 2pm tomorrow for Great Barrier Island.

MetService is forecasting rain for Auckland right into next week, as school holidays begin.