A large low is affecting New Zealand with an even larger one on the way from this weekend and into next week.

In the next day or two ahead we have heavy rain forecast for both main islands with eastern parts of Otago and Southland most exposed to heavy rain later today and tonight and the North Island exposed to heavy downpours, some with thunderstorms too.

By Thursday and Friday many places will be warming up and drying out but the eastern North Island may get some much needed rain first.

This weekend an even large low rolls in – it’s a bit complicated because of its large size but will bring a mix of dry, warm, spells along with heavy rain potential too.