Showers are falling over the western South Island this morning with some heavy falls being reported.  The heavy falls are expected to increase today.  In fact, government forecaster MetService has issued a Heavy Rain Warning in effect through this evening for the Westland ranges south of Otira and north of Haast Pass.  The heaviest falls are expected to be this afternoon and will likely be associated with a few thunderstorms.  Rainfall rates of 15 to 25mm/hr are possible this afternoon.

A Heavy Rain Warning is also in effect for the ranges of Buller.  This was issued due to heavy rain that is expected to fall late this afternoon, tonight and during the overnight.  Rainfall rates of 15 to 20mm/hr are possible this evening.

The frontal boundary responsible for the heavy rain will trek keep central New Zealand rather wet during the overnight hours.

The front will begin to washout as it moves onto the North Island tomorrow.  Despite its weakening, it should still be enough to develop some showers over Taranaki.

An onshore flow is expected to generate showers for the Bay of Plenty and East Cape/Northern Gisborne.

The north-western South Island is also expected to continue to see showers tomorrow morning.  These will likely remain in place into tomorrow night.  However, the heavy rain threat should diminish early tomorrow morning.

By the time we get into tomorrow evening, showers will likely be scattered about the northern and western North Island.  However, heavy rain is not expected.

 -WeatherWatch