Further south, a low approaching the country from the southwest would work its way up the South Island tomorrow afternoon, bringing rain to the West Coast and patchy showers east of the Southern Alps.
The low and associated fronts would then move over the North Island overnight, while a narrow ridge of high pressure would start to build back over the South Island.
That would bring mainly fine weather for central and southern parts of the South Island - but it would also bring a wet start to the weekend in the North Island.
The rain and showers were forecast to taper off in most places on Saturday evening, but there was still a possibility of a few evening showers lingering over the eastern North Island.
Another front was forecast to approach the South Island on Sunday, bringing cloud to the south and some rain to Fiordland and Southland.
But Sunday should be fine elsewhere, with the last of the North Island's showers clearing during the morning.
WEEKEND FORECAST
Auckland:
Friday: Cloudy periods and a few showers with northwesterlies. High 20C, low 14C.
Saturday: Showers becoming frequent and heavy for a time, with a southwesterly change. High 20C, low 10C.
Sunday: Fine spells with southeasterlies. High 21C, low 11C.
Wellington:
Friday: Cloudy periods and evening showers with fresh northerlies. High 17C, low 11C.
Saturday: Rain to showers in the morning, with a strong southerly change. High 15C, low 10C.
Sunday: A few morning showers then fine spells, with northerlies developing. High 18C, low 13C.
Christchurch:
Friday: A few afternoon showers followed by evening rain and late southerlies. High 19C, low 8C.
Saturday: Occasional rain clearing by the evening, with southerlies dying out. High 14C, low 3C.
Sunday: Mainly fine with northeasterlies developing. High 18C, low 7C.
(Source: MetService)
