The weather over the next couple of days is set to be very different, depending on where you are in the country.

The west, especially of the South Island, will be mostly cloudy with showers, while the east will enjoy sunny and mostly clear skies thanks to a high-pressure system still hanging around.

Today, a band of rain moves up the West Coast of the South Island, making it a wet day there.

Westerly winds will continue to bring moisture to western regions, so expect clouds and the chance of a shower in many western areas today and tomorrow.

As we head into the weekend, expect more rain and stronger winds.

A low-pressure system will arrive in southern New Zealand on Saturday and then move north by Sunday.

While the rain during the week might not be too serious, the weekend brings the potential for severe weather.

“Heavy rain is forecast for Saturday in the South Island, especially the west, where heavy rain watches have been issued,” MetService meteorologist Oscar Shiviti said.

“A strong wind watch also covers the blustery northwest winds over the Canterbury high country.

“The wind and rain are forecast to decrease in severity before moving onto the North Island by Sunday”.

There’s some good news, though: nights will be less chilly due to a warmer airmass from the northwest, so there will be a break from recent frosts.

If you’ve got outdoor plans, today and tomorrow are your best bet, particularly in the eastern regions.

“Rethink any weekend plans and take advantage of the better weather the next couple of days before conditions worsen,” Shiviti said.

That said, Napier was in luck: “Sunny skies are expected for the Hawke’s Bay Marathon this Saturday.”

Heavy rain and strong winds expected to move up the country over the weekend. Photo / supplied

Yellow heavy rain watches:

- The Tasman ranges northwest of Motueka

- Buller

- Ranges of the Grey District

- Headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers

- Headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers

- Fiordland north of Doubtful Sound

A yellow strong wind watch is in place from Saturday for the Canterbury high country.

Keep an eye on the MetService website for updates.