Spring shows its true colours as New Zealand settles into a variable rhythm across the country this week, delivering everything from heavy rain and gales to muggy nights and cloudy skies.

In its latest weather update, the MetService says the North Island will get its fair share of active weather.

Persistent westerlies will continue to feed cloud and drizzle into the western parts of the North Island, with limited sunshine and muggy nights.

In Tauranga, some afternoon and evening rain is being forecast for today.

While there is a chance of some rain on Friday, increased fine spells are being predicted for the afternoon.

Temperatures of around 20C are expected on Friday, with overnight lows hovering in the mid-teens across the board – a “grey and warm” combination for Kiwis to enjoy.

Further south, a warm, moisture-laden system is tracking over the country from the Tasman Sea, bringing long-lived rain to the West Coast of the South Island, where heavy rain watches and warnings are in place.

The system is stalling over Buller tonight, with a prolonged heavy rain warning for the 37 hours from midnight until 1pm on Saturday. Up to 350mm of rain is expected to fall over that period.

The largest accumulations of moisture are expected about the ranges.

Strong northwesterly winds are expected for the Canterbury high country, with a strong wind warning in effect today and tomorrow morning.

Foehn winds were likely to make an appearance for Cantabrians: dry, gusty, and unseasonably warm.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has a moderate fire risk in place for the region, so people are warned to be sure to follow appropriate guidance if lighting fires.

“This is one of those weeks where west and east have very different experiences,” said MetService meteorologist Devlin Lynden.

“While the West Coast braces for rain, places like North Otago, Canterbury and Marlborough could be drying out fast under gusty northwest winds, with temperatures hitting the mid 20s for some. It’s a very spring-like pattern.”

By the weekend, there’s not much shift in the setup.

Rain will ease briefly on the West Coast on Saturday, only for another front to arrive from the south late in the day, bringing showers again by Sunday.

Meanwhile, much of the North Island and eastern South Island continues with a mix of cloud, wind, and spring warmth.

Stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings at metservice.com, or on the MetService app.