![\"Heavy](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/4JQ0YPO_metservice_17_april_2026_png.jpeg\")
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Photo: Screengrab \/ MetService\n<\/p>\n
Heavy rain is forecast for western and northern parts of New Zealand this weekend, with a risk of severe gales down south.<\/p>\n
MetService said a complex trough is moving northeast on to the South Island Friday, before shifting to the North Island Saturday and early Sunday.<\/p>\n
It is expected to bring heavy rain, and possible thunderstorms.<\/p>\n
An orange heavy rain warning has been issued for Taranaki, Buller and Grey Districts, Headwaters of the Canterbury Lakes and Rivers and Ranges of the Westland District.<\/p>\n
Headwaters of the Canterbury Lakes and Rivers could expect up to 150mm of rain, with Buller and Grey Districts possibly getting 120mm.<\/p>\n
MetService warned streams and rivers might rise rapidly and there was a risk of surface flooding and slips.<\/p>\n
There is also a heavy rain watch for parts of Northland, Tasman, Wellington and Otago.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, a strong wind watch is in place for Canterbury High Country from 2pm Friday until 5am Saturday.<\/p>\n
Northwesterly winds could approach severe gale in exposed places and there was a moderate chance of it upgrading to a warning, MetService said.<\/p>\n
Raincoats and umbrellas would also likely be essential for other parts of the country, with evening rain, possibly heavy and thundery to hit Auckland.<\/p>\n
![\"Fans](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/4K9Q3L3_250330WestsWarriors_007_jpg.jpeg\")
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\nWarriors fans braving the rain in 2025.
\nPhoto: David Neilson\n<\/p>\n
“Those heading to the Warriors game Saturday evening might want to pack a raincoat,” MetService meteorologist Braydon White said.<\/p>\n
“With the potential for showers during the game, those looking to stay dry may need to break out the ponchos and brollies.”<\/p>\n
While the Blues v Highlanders game at Eden Park on Friday is less likely to be affected by bad weather, those headed to the Chiefs v Hurricanes at Waikato FMG Stadium might not be so lucky; Hamilton is also forecast for rain from Saturday afternoon.<\/p>\n
For Sunday, the broad low-pressure system will lie “over the country” according to MetService, with several fronts “rotating around it bringing periods of rain but also fine gaps to most”.<\/p>\n
This means those headed to the Auckland FC game at Mt Smart Stadium might also have to prepare for a wet afternoon.<\/p>\n
Sign up for Ng\u0101 Pitopito K\u014drero<\/a>, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.<\/p>\n Weather watches and warnings: What they mean and when they’re triggered<\/a><\/p>\n Watch: Storm chaser captures Cyclone Vaianu’s ferocity<\/a><\/p>\n Slips still possible as Vaianu clean-up continues<\/a><\/p>\n