A potent front will bring the threat for heavy rain back to New Zealand on Tuesday.

The greatest threat appears to be about the North Island from Northland south to southern Waikato.  Whilst rain is likely to develop during the day, the main threat for heavy rain will be after sunset.

Heavy rain is also possible about the western regions of the South Island, especially the far northwest corner as well as southern Westland.

At this time, it looks like rainfall amounts could be heavy enough to prompt the issuance of warnings.  Government forecaster MetService says they there is a moderate risk of warnings being needed.  They main areas of their concern are about the ranges of northwest Nelson and south of Otira.  However, they do believe at least some brief heavy falls are likely in these areas.

As the front will move east on Wednesday, shifting the focus for heavy rain to the eastern North Island.  The Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty and East Cape/Gisborne would have the best chance for heavy rain.

High pressure will return to the country on Thursday, settling the weather for most areas in time for next weekend.

Homepage image/ Keith Stewart

By WeatherWatch.co.nz Analyst Howard Joseph