For the first time this week some severe weather is back on the horizon after what has been a very settled five days across the country.

The crown forecaster is predicting a chance of heavy rain and severe gales this weekend, although the chances aren’t high.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says the incoming weather may produce some heavy rain for western regions but says after recent severe weather this will pale in comparison.

Rain warnings are most likely to be issued for the West Coast – a region well used to heavy rain events like this.

The crown forecaster says there is a low chance of severe gales in Wellington. WeatherWatch.co.nz says it may be a little windy in the lower North Island but expects winds will be far from damaging.

There’s also a low chance of rain warnings being issued for Taranaki and eastern Bay of Plenty says MetService.

Homepage image / Jeanie Griffin

Image / NZ Govt