Rain is being forecast for western parts of the country.

In it's latest weather update, the MetService says a trough, preceeded by a strong north to northwest flow is expected to bring rain to mainly western parts of the country on Sunday.

"There is high confidence rainfall amounts will reach warning criteria about Westland from the glaciers northwards and Buller, mainly about the ranges, and Orange Severe Weather Warnings have been issued," says the weather organisation.

"There is moderate confidence of warnable amounts of rain for Westland south of the glaciers, mainly about the ranges, also the Marlborough Sounds, Richmond Range, Tararua Range and Mount Taranaki.

"There is also low confidence that north to northwesterly winds may reach severe gale about exposed parts of Wairarapa and Wellington."

See below for what is in store for next week.

Monday 4 December 2023
The trough and associated rain band should move over the North Island and away to the east of Aotearoa/New Zealand, while a ridge of high pressure spreads onto southern and central New Zealand.

There is low confidence of warnable amounts of rain for eastern Bay of Plenty and the ranges of Gisborne/Tairawhiti.

Tuesday 5 December 2023
A ridge of high pressure covers central and southern New Zealand, while a moist northeast flow develops over northern parts of the country ahead of a trough of low pressure.

There is low confidence rainfall amounts will reach warning criteria about northern and eastern parts of Northland, Great Barrier Island, northeastern parts of Auckland, and Coromandel Peninsula .

Wednesday 6 December 2023
The trough, preceded by moist northeasterlies, should move over the North Island from the west, bringing rain to many areas. Meanwhile, a weak front is expected to move onto the southwest of South Island from the Tasman Sea.

There is low confidence rainfall amounts will reach warning criteria about Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty, and the ranges of Gisborne/Tairawhiti.