Heavy rain has lessened a bit about the West Coast this morning.  The majority of rain, and the potential for heavy rain will be about places like Nelson, Taranaki and Wellington for the early part of today.  The focus for stronger winds will be about central New Zealand as well, although severe gales are still a threat about the deep south, Marlborough and Canterbury where government forecaster MetService has Strong Wind Warnings in effect for the first half of today.

As another front makes its way across the Tasman, strong winds and heavy rain are likely to become more widespread tomorrow.

Heavy rain and strong winds are possible about most of the country tomorrow and Sunday.  The greatest threat for heavy rain will be about the western South Island.  Strong winds, possibly reaching severe gale strength are likely about Wairarapa, Wellington, Marlborough and Canterbury.

Additional pockets of heavy rain may be found about the North Island.  On the western side, the main threat lies from Raglan to Taranaki and then over to Wellington.  There is a threat for severe gales in this area as well.  Heavy rain could also be found about the eastern Bay of Plenty and East Cape/Gisborne.

By WeatherWatch.co.nz Analyst Howard Joseph