NI to get a soaking, SI to freeze

Heavy rain is likely to drench Auckland and the Coromandel this weekend, while plunging temperatures could see freezing weather return to Canterbury.

Much of the North Island could get a soaking tomorrow, with heavy rain forecast as a low pressure system makes its way across the upper part of the country.

Wind is also expected to pick up in the North Island over the weekend, touching up to 50kph in coastal areas, MetService meteorologist Luis Fernandes said.

It is also likely to be cooler than in recent days, with temperatures from Wellington to Wairarapa in the low teens, and a little warmer in the milder northern areas around Auckland and the Bay of Plenty.

But it is a different story in the South Island, Fernandes said.

After the balmy spring temperatures of up to 24C in Christchurch yesterday morning, forecasters warn that temperatures tomorrow might plummet to minus 1C, bringing a shivering start to the day and a chilly wind.