Northland, Auckland and the central North Island are being warned of severe thunderstorms until evening, with Whangārei already getting some of the stormy weather.
Thunderstorms are expected in much of the northern and central parts of the North Island until evening. Photo: MetService
MetService has issued severe thunderstorm watches for today.
The rain and stormy weather is being carried over the North Island by a humid and unstable northwest airstream.
Western areas from Northland and Auckland down to Taumarunui are in line for the stormy change before it eases from late afternoon, MetService says.
Localised downpours of 25mm an hour to 40 mm/h are possible.
The forecaster warned rainfall of this intensity can cause surface flooding or flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas near such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips.
Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.
In Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Taupo, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay and Taihape, the storms might also produce localised wind gusts of 90 km/h and hail of 10mm to 20 mm in diameter, MetService says.
"Isolated thunderstorms are expected for central and northern North Island regions today," forecaster Ashlee Parkes said. "We currently have two severe thunderstorm watches active, so it is best to keep up to date with the forecasts and take extra care when venturing outside.'
Wet weather continues to the weekend
The wet weather continues on Friday as a cold front sweeps its way up the west coast of the South Island, bringing periods of heavy rain, possible thunderstorms and strong northwesterly winds to southern and western areas.
Strong northwesterly winds and heavy rain are expected in parts of Fiordland, Southland, Westland and into the Canterbury High Country from the early hours of Friday.
On Saturday, strong north westerly winds are expected in the North Island along with rain, especially for western areas where it could be heavy.
In the South Island, showery conditions are due in western areas while and eastern areas will begin to fine up.
This front continues to sweep northeast and moves off the country on Sunday, with a fresh southwesterly wind change behind it.
"This cooler change means less muggy nights and therefore better sleeping conditions for Aotearoa" Parkes said. "Most areas across the country will notice the humidity drop and see the skies begin to clear with the exit of this feature, while southern and western areas will continue to see a few showers in this southwesterly flow.
"The remains of Tropical Cyclone Niran are expected to pass to the far northeast of the us on Sunday with no impacts forecast across the country."