After days of grey skies, downpours and cooler temperatures the weather is forecast to take a turn for the better in time for New Year's Eve celebrations.
MetService meteorologist Lisa Murray said a low pushing into the east coast of the North Island would bring gale winds, heavy rain and thunderstorms.
"You're going to have a few days of pretty bad weather but it will improve for New Year's so there is a light at the end of the tunnel."
Yesterday a watch in force for heavy rain about northern Hawke's Bay was upgraded to a full warning.
"With this low system we have winds that meet severe watch criteria and warning criteria for heavy rain for the northern Hawke's Bay area.
"This heavy rain could cause rivers and streams to rise rapidly, it will cause surface flooding and it could cause slips as well."
Ms Murray said localised downpours could restrict driving visibility and cautioned those travelling to Gisborne for Rhythm and Vines to check the forecast and take care on the roads.
"We could expect 75mm to 100mm of rain at peak rates of 10mm to 15mm in an hour. Add to that the fact that winds could be quite strong as well."
The heaviest downpours were expected overnight from 6pm yesterday to 9am this morning and the weather was expected to improve from then, she said.
"Today there will be rain with some heavy falls which should ease later in the afternoon. There will be strong southerlies to start the day which will be easing in the evening."
At the weekend remaining showers would become confined to the ranges and remaining southerlies would die out, she said.
"Sunday will be fine apart from the odd, isolated shower about the ranges and there will be northeasterly breezes and Monday is fine with a few afternoon showers about the ranges."
Cooler temperatures experienced in the past week would also slowly rise as the weather improved, she said.
"There's a maximum of 20 degrees today and from there it gradually starts creeping up. Saturday will be 22 degrees, Sunday will be 24 degrees and this will continue.
"So although it's been a little cooler it will warm up again. The good news is that for New Year's Eve it will be pretty fine."
For those celebrating the New Year in Gisborne at Rhythm and Vines, New Year's Eve would be fine with the odd shower in the ranges and northeasterly breezes.
In light of the "significant weather" ahead Ms Murray advised people to check the forecast before they hit the road at www.metservice.com.