If you were hoping Guy Fawkes would be done and dusted on one night this year, think again.

The forecasts show messy weather for Saturday night, Sunday night and an improvement on Monday night in many regions.

The Eastern Bay of Plenty is said to get the most amount of rainfall with rain expected to become persistent and heavy at times from midday today through to around dawn Sunday.

During this time, rainfall accumulations may approach warning criteria of 85mm in 18
hours.

Next week Bay of Plenty looks no better, with MetService forecasting a deep and intense low to move onto the South Island from the Tasman Sea on Tuesday

This will cross the country Tuesday night and spread its associated front over the North Island on Wednesday.

Although this is a fast moving low, significant weather is forecast which includes widespread severe gales and heavy rain as well as snow for the ranges in the south.

Heavy rain is forecast for the West Coast, spilling over the ranges into eastern areas of the South Island on Tuesday.

The low is expected to move away to the southeast on Wednesday, but an associated front may still bring heavy rain to Northland, Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula and the Bay of Plenty.

'After having such mild weather in recent weeks, people will really feel the drop in temperatures, especially in the South Island, where the heavy rain will fall as snow about the ranges,” said MetService communications meteorologist Lisa Murray.

'Anyone planning to go tramping or camping should check the weather forecast and associated warnings carefully as some places will have a combination of severe gales, heavy rain and snow.”

Mountain Safety Council are advising people to prepare for winter-like conditions and consider postponing trips if necessary. You can use their Plan My Trip tool to plan your trip at: http://info.metraweather.com/e/60812/uhhXMr/fdh1xj/624039439

'This weather may lead to significant disruptions to travel and could cause damage to infrastructure such as powerlines and roads in the worst affected areas,” says Lisa.

'Those with newly shorn sheep or anyone contemplating shearing should be aware of the approaching weather to protect their stock.”