A broad low pressure system and trough sitting to the west of New Zealand are set to drench parts of the nation over the next few days. Currently, a low pressure system and trough just to the west of the South Island is funneling moist air over the nation, leading to gusty conditions, rain and the odd thunderstorm. Though most of the country should experience some rain, it currently looks to be heaviest along the western coasts, particularly on the North Island between Auckland and Taranaki. In the Taranaki region, rainfall could be intense with as much as 25mm falling in an hour, bringing totals of about 50-100mm on Saturday. Thunderstorms are a risk on Saturday afternoon, particularly in areas of heavy rain along the west coast. Rain is expected to continue on Sunday, as well as possible storms in the afternoon, though the low pressure system currently bringing it to the region will weaken, easing conditions. Further out, conditions may deteriorate again, as a front expected to cross on Tuesday should bring heavy rain to the South Island, particularly around Southland, Otago and Fiordland.