No risks to be concerned about on Friday but on Saturday there could be heavy rain in parts of the South Island, while thunderstorms and strong winds are also possible at times.

Rain on Saturday

The main concern will be heavy rain on the West Coast of the South Island, and also about the Southern Alps from afternoon onwards.
The current rain system is bringin a fair amount, even by West Coast standards(!) so rising river levels could be an issue.
Thunderstorms are also possible – especially in the late afternoon and into evening, while conditions look unstable enough to produce a small tornado or funnel cloud on the West Coast towards the same time as well.

Wind on Saturday

Strong north to northwesterly winds develop about inland parts of Canterbury and Marlborough from afternoon onwards.
Strong northwest winds develop about the Cook Strait area from afternoon also, with gusts to gale force possible later in the day.

Main Centres for Friday

Auckland

Another warm day in Auckland, while starting off cloudy with the odd light shower moving in, some afternoon rain is then possible before clearing in the evening, while temperatures get up into the mid 20s despite that.

Wellington

Sunny areas in the capital, while southerly winds tend northerly and pick up in the afternoon, beforeloud thickens in the evening, and a high of around 20C.

Christchurch

Morning cloud breaks to afternoon sunny areas, while northeast winds become brisk near the coast, and temperatures in the late teens or early 20s.

– Aaron Wilkinson & Drew Chappell, WeatherWatch.co.nz

– Photo: Ron Sickling