Dust off the umbrella -- you're going to need it this weekend.
Many parts of the country are in for rain today and over the next few days, and some areas forecast to get heavy downpours.
The MetService has issued a severe weather warning for northwest Nelson from this afternoon through to tomorrow morning.
"A complex trough of low pressure is forecast to approach New Zealand on Friday and should cross much of the country on Saturday," the MetService said.
"This trough is expected to bring rain to the north and west of both islands in a moist northerly flow."
There is a possibility of thunderstorms northwest of Nelson -- west of Motueka -- as well, with rainfalls of between 100 to 150mm expected about the ranges and 70 to 100mm of rain near the coast.
Because of heavy rain last week, this weekend's rain may lead to rivers and streams to rise rapidly and may cause surface flooding and slips, the warning said.
Aucklanders can expected the odd shower today, with rain forecast towards the evening and strong north-easterly winds.
There is a temperature high of 23C in the City of Sails and an overnight high of 19C.
The temperature is a little higher tomorrow, at a high of 25C, but rain is also expected throughout the day - heavy at times - and easing to showers.
Sunday will see cloudy periods and a few showers again.
In and around Northland areas will see periods of rain, possibly heavy, today and with northerly winds. Whangarei is in for a wet weekend starting today, through to tomorrow. Showers will ease by Sunday.
Those in Whakatane and Tauranga will see a few showers today and tomorrow, at least, with temperature highs in the early 20s. New Plymouth and Wellington are also in for rain. Whanganui, however, will see a cloudy day with rain, sometimes heavy, tomorrow and Sunday.
People in Gisborne and Napier will be happy to know the rain looks to be staying clear of them today. However, there is occasional rain forecast tomorrow -- but easing away by Sunday.
Many parts of the South Island will see either rain or cloudy days today and through to the weekend; with rain forecast in Invercargill, Queenstown, Hokitika and Nelson.
Dunedin and Christchurch, however, will be cloudy today and tomorrow with "a few spots of rain" at times.
