New Zealand is in for a wet and windy weekend, with heavy rains and winds approaching from the Tasman Sea, MetService says.
Meteorologist Daniel Corbett says there is a chance of severe weather on Saturday and people taking part in outdoor events should take care.
Big events such as the Ironman New Zealand in Taupo and the Karapoti Classic in Wellington could become difficult.
Southwesterlies will bring cold temperatures on Thursday.
That will ease on Friday, but a cool southerly wind will spread over the country on Saturday.
Winds could easily reach gale strength in coastal areas, Mr Corbett says.
