Torrential downpours, hail, and flash floods could be on the cards for parts of Hawke's Bay this week, as the region is hit by a "bizarre" weather system.
Inland areas throughout the country are being hit worst, with parts of the Central North Island expected to receive a month's-worth of rain this week.
This began yesterday, with reports of roads flooded in Central Hawke's Bay, and warnings about potentially severe conditions about the ranges, including lightning, surface flooding risks, possible slips and hail.
WeatherWatch head forecaster Philip Duncan said this weather was "one of the most unusual set ups I've ever seen".
There was a "massive" high-pressure system over the country, underneath which was some "sinking air" pressure - which meant severe thunderstorms were occurring in parts of both the north and south islands.