Batten down the place for windy, rainy weekend

Wanganui can expect the unsettled weather to continue for a few days.

MetService forecasters said a fast-moving front would sweep up from the South Island on Saturday, bringing heavy rain in the west and gales in the east.

A burst of heavy rain was possible over the central and lower North Island later on Saturday.

Gale force northwesterlies will be part of the mix and will spread to the central North Island on the weekend.

The weather should settle on Sunday but rain and strong winds return by Monday.