MetService is predicting heavy rainfall in parts of the South Island, but just about everyone heading outside should have their umbrellas at the ready this weekend.
Rain is being predicted for most of the country this weekend. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
After a wet week across New Zealand, the MetService said the wet weather will continue to affect many at the start of next week.
Central parts of New Zealand are set to experience significant rainfall on Monday, with severe weather warnings or watches likely to be issued over the weekend.
Meteorologist Rob Kerr says another complex low system was barrelling towards the country from the west.
As a result, most of the country should expect some rain, with the North Island rainfall at its heaviest on higher ground from Taranaki to East Cape, while eastern parts of the South Island are going to be the wettest parts of the mainland once again.
"Northeasterlies will bring further rain with heavy falls to already saturated parts of Dunedin and Otago during Saturday and Sunday. But those hardy Southern folk are not alone, as just about everyone heading outside should have their umbrellas at the ready this weekend," he said.
As Wellington and Auckland prepare for Christmas parades this weekend, the forecast for the capital on Saturday and Sunday is cloudy with a moderate risk of rain during those afternoons.
"For Auckland on Sunday, the main front is expected to move through Sunday morning with warmer weather in its wake than of late. There will still be some showers around though, so fingers crossed for clear breaks once the parade starts at 1pm," he said.
Clutha River reached high levels after heavy rain drenched the region. Photo: RNZ / Jonathon Mitchell
Officials across the lower South Island are closely monitoring the weekend's weather forecast after heavy rain drenched the region this week.
The clean-up is underway as river levels drop and roads begin to clear, but the Otago Regional Council is warning the flood event is by no means over.
A number of Otago roads are still closed after warm weather melted snow and caused the already saturated Pomahaka river to rise.
The Clutha District Council says Wooded Hill, Ardmore, Greenvale and Winslade roads in Kelso will stay closed until further notice.
A road to Henley was cut off after heavy rain flooded Otago. Photo: RNZ / Jonathon Mitchell
But things are improving in Henley, where the water on flooded roads that had cut off the small community was clearing, and locals hoped to be able to make it into Dunedin this morning.
MetService is predicting heavy rain to fall on eastern parts of the South Island on Sunday and Monday, however mainly north of Dunedin.
Authorities say it could be up to a couple of weeks before all the water drains away.
People living in Middlemarch and Taieri have been cautioned not to drink water from private bores due to possible contamination.
