A low spreading from Australia’s east coast is today deepening out in the Tasman Sea and should turn into a large rain maker over the next 24 hours.

The low is predicted to continue growing in size and will partially merge with another low coming in from south of Australia.

The South Island’s lower West Coast and the eastern Bay of Plenty are most exposed to the heavy rain over the next few days.

MetService says there is a moderate risk of rain warnings for both these areas with lower warnings of heavy rain in eastern Northland, eastern Coromandel Peninsula, western Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Taupo and National Park area, also for Nelson and the upper West Coast.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says the low means most of New Zealand will see winds from the northerly quarter over the next few days meaning conditions will be warmer than average for a number of centres.

Frost free weather is also likely for the coming days due to the air flow, wind, cloud and rain.

WeatherWatch.co.nz predicts the rest of August looks likely to be mild however a cold change is possible for the lower South Island early next week on the back end of this system.

Image:  Rain at the Auckland Botanic Gardens / MandenoMoments.zenfolio.com/