Weekend rain predicted for NZ's driest areas

The MetService is predicting "useful rain" to fall on some of the country's drought-stricken areas over the weekend.

A frontal rainband, currently perched over Fiordland and Southland, is expected to make its way slowly up the middle of the country.

Heavy rain warnings have been issued for Fiordland, Westland, Buller and parts of Nelson.

"As we move into the last week of daylight saving it appears as though the anticyclones are starting to relax and rain-bearing features are starting to gradually return to parts of the country," MetService spokesman Bob McDavitt said.

- NZPA