Heavy rain is coming to the West Coast and we also have a nationwide outlook as rain moves into the dry North Island.

However it’s the West Coast in for a deluge with over 250mm possible on Thursday, falling as snow higher up too. The maps below show only Thursday, but Friday sees another day of rain on the West Coast (we’ll provide more maps tomorrow).

Rain will be heavy enough to cause slips and flooding, motorists should take extreme care.

Today rain sets in further south but slides up the entire West Coast by evening. Rain becomes heavier as the day goes on with heaviest falls intensifying even further overnight and into Thursday. The heaviest rain appears to be in the central West Coast, in the mountains around Hokitika across Thursday – but affects much of the coast generally.

Thunderstorms are also in the mix.

Heavy Rain also continues across Friday too and finally clears on Friday night – ahead of a dry sunny weekend for West Coasters. 

– WeatherWatch.co.nz