Wet weather is forecast to hit the North Island, with rain set to sweep across the top of the country on Saturday. 

MetService meteorologist Surprise Mhlongo said a strengthening easterly wind would bring showers in Northland and Auckland, with possible heavy rain and strong easterlies in exposed places. 

From the beginning of next week, rain would spread south, he said. 

“A band of rain will move to the southern half of the North Island and the eastern areas of the South Island from Tuesday early morning, while the possible heavy rain and strong-to-gale easterlies continue in Northland and Auckland, spreading to Coromandel.” 

Heavy rain could plague Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne on Tuesday. 

MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said it was too early to say if thunderstorms would hit the region, but wet and windy weather was possible along the North Island’s east coast from about Tuesday. 

“We have a low-pressure system drifting down from the north and that will be bringing, at this point so far, the heaviest rain for the northern parts of the country,” Makgabutlane said. 

Although it was too early for MetService to issue weather warnings and watches for this system, Makgabutlane said her team was watching the situation and would typically issue any watches or warnings a couple of days ahead of the system hitting, if it does come through.