More rain is predicted throughout the country on Friday. Photo: 123RF
MetService is forecasting a wet farewell to 2023 but a settled start to 2024.
The forecaster said a warm northwesterly flow would bring probable showers to all reaches of the country.
Heavy rain warnings are in place for Mount Taranaki, Nelson and the Westland ranges.
MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said mountainous areas would bear the brunt of the rain.
But there was a risk of thunderstorms for the northern and western parts of the country as well as the deep south.
"Particularly along the eastern part of the country, we see a northwesterly flow coming through so we may even see Canterbury cracking the 30 degrees (Celsius) as the day goes on," Makgabutlane said.
"However for the rest of the country, and eventually in that Canterbury region, as well it's going to be quite a wet day."
The weather was expected to improve by mid-Saturday.
Makgabutlane said a ridge of high pressure would then bring a settled start to the new year.
MetService is also warning the next few days could bring uncomfortable nights for sleeping, with high temperatures.
In some places the overnight temperatures would be 20C or more.
Warm moist air continues to cover much of the country with daytime temperatures set to reach 30C on the East Coast.