Heavy rain and possible thunderstorms is forecast to lash parts of the country this afternoon.
Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
Metservice has issued a severe weather watch for the lower North Island and western parts of the South Island.
The forecaster said an active weather front was moving east over the country bringing bursts of heavy rain, and possible thunder.
Strong northwest gales may whip through Wellington, Wairarapa and the Tararua region.
However, Metservice forecaster Andy Best said the rough weather should be short-lived.
"The front is expected to depart to the east tonight and then we're going to be left with a southwesterly regime over the country," he said.
Mr Best said as the week went on, weather conditions would improve.