Heavy rain and strong winds are forecast to lash lower parts of the country this weekend.

MetService said a "significant autumnal change" was expected to arrive in the second half of the week, and is warning that up to 250mm of rain may fall on parts of the West Coast.

High pressure made for a lovely weekend across NZ, with more dry weather for Monday. By Wed a front & low pressure will move in, bringing heavy, especially to the South Island’s West Coast. Another, likely stronger, system arrives Friday. A week to watch the weather!🌧️🌬️ pic.twitter.com/hw6XiCH15d

— NIWA Weather (@NiwaWeather) May 3, 2026

It said after a fine Monday and Tuesday, a change in the Tasman Sea was unfolding, with a large area of low pressure set to arrive in New Zealand on Wednesday.

"While we've been enjoying the light winds and lack of rain for the last while, these crisp still mornings are about to end and the wetter side of autumn is set to come back with a bang," MetService meteorologist Braydon White said.

Rain was…