Northland has seen the worst of winter but the bulk of rain is yet to come.
As much of the North Island continues to be drenched in continuous rainfall, Weather Watch said the sun should be out in Northland today after a final burst of rain cleared over the region.
Heavy rain warnings are in effect for Taranaki, The Tararau Range, the hill country of Waitomo, southern Waikato, the eastern ranges of the Bay of Plenty and about the Central Plateau.
Philip Duncan of Weather Watch said although there would be localised heavy downpours, the worst of rain associated with a band hovering over Northland was over.
"Sub-tropical air will keep temperatures way above average. Winds will swing south west, then southerly (today) and then easterly," he said.
He said the temperature should return to normal today and was expected to remain average or slightly above average for most of winter.
Expect Saturday to be cloudy and Sunday wet as a sub tropical low passed over Northland, he said.
According to MetService, Cape Reinga was the wettest throughout the country at 4.4mm yesterday.Winds were to tend southwest last night as a broad trough moves east of the North Island.
A ridge will build to the west of the North Island today and tomorrow and winds turn northwest over southern parts of the country.
MetService said showers would become frequent and heavy early today from Northland to Kapiti, including Bay of Plenty and the central high country, but would clear later from the south.
Daytime temperatures in Whangarei will hover around 15C throughout the week and between 6C overnight.
The weekend will be a bit warmer, with daytime temperature around 17C and overnight at 11C.
Kerikeri will be warmer at night than Whangarei, with overnight temperature around 13C. Tomorrow and Thursday should be fine days.