The almost sub-tropical, humid weather continues in the North Island today with warm temperatures but patches of heavy rain and thunderstorms forecast.
MetService meteorologist Arno Dyason said a slow moving low over the Tasman Sea was directing a northerly flow on to the North Island, bringing much of the unsettled weather.
Auckland and Northland are in for another warm day with northerlies and highs of 21C-22C, and just occasional showers.
Yesterday Whangārei topped the country at a balmy 23.9C, which was tied for the city's 5th-warmest May day on record (dating back to 1967).
Auckland's Motat station recorded 23.7C, tied for the 8th warmest May temperature in the Auckland metropolitan area since 1951.
Some above average maximum temperatures expected for the northern North Island tomorrow with the likes of Whangarei getting up to 22C, while the far south still lies in a cooler airmass with maximums only expected to reach 12-13C. Latest forecasts at https://t.co/Yjbq0jxdqz ^KL pic.twitter.com/Pu5adVELEt
— MetService (@MetService) May 14, 2018
Eastern Bay of Plenty and Taranaki are feeling the brunt of the weather this morning, with heavy rain and thunderstorms.
The rain began over Whakatāne and just west of the town about 9pm last night, and has continued through this morning with 104.6mm recorded.
Whangarei climbed to a balmy 23.9°C this afternoon, which was New Zealand's warmest temperature today.
— NIWA Weather (@NiwaWeather) May 14, 2018
This was also tied for Whangarei's 5th-warmest May day on record (dating back to 1967). 🌡️ pic.twitter.com/rKc0gYM4Op
The heaviest period was between 3-4am, when 44mm fell.
The wet weather is tracking slowly to the east this morning and should be gone late morning, Dyason said.
Taranaki, Waitomo and Taumarunui are in for a similar day to yesterday, with some decent rainfall and thunderstorms on the cards through to tomorrow evening.
An approaching low pressure system brings a muggy northerly wind flow over the North Island tomorrow with more bands of rain and showers expected later into Wednesday for western and central parts of the country. Latest Severe weather outlook at https://t.co/ePtVj8cXwp ^KL pic.twitter.com/eLY8h1HoHx
— MetService (@MetService) May 14, 2018
The rest of the North Island is in for a relatively fine day, with warm weather and just occasional showers forecast.
Nelson and northern parts of Marlborough could also see some heavy downpours to late Wednesday, with isolated thunderstorms.
A cold front is moving up the South Island on Wednesday, while the low causing all of the wet weather moves east over central New Zealand.
Persistent low pressure (blue colours) near and south of New Zealand will make for an unsettled next 7-10 days ☔
— NIWA Weather (@NiwaWeather) May 13, 2018
Note how the isobars (lines of equal pressure) turn towards the southwest. This could lead to cool temperatures late next week and weekend (especially in the SI). pic.twitter.com/EKkbKSx1TG
Rain or showers are expected for many places on Wednesday, with a high risk of rainfall reaching warning levels - 100mm over 24 hours - in Taranaki, Buller and Nelson, including the Richmond Ranges and Marlborough Sounds.
A west to southwest flow covers the country from Thursday to Saturday, with some fronts moving northeast Friday and Saturday.
These could bring heavy rain to northern Fiordland, Westland and Buller.
Westerlies could reach gale level about central areas on Friday and Saturday.
Today's weather
• Whangārei
Partly cloudy with a few showers. Northerlies. 22C high, 15C overnight.
• Auckland
Partly cloudy with a few showers. Northerlies. 21C high, 15C overnight.
• Hamilton
Cloudy periods. A few showers, especially evening. Northerlies. 20C high, 13C overnight.
• Tauranga
Often cloudy with a few showers. Northerly breezes. 20C high, 15C overnight.
• New Plymouth
Rain at times, with thunderstorms and possible downpours. Fresh northerlies. 19C high, 15C overnight.
• Napier
Occasional morning drizzle, becoming fine around midday. Northerlies developing. 19C high, 13C overnight.
• Wellington
Mostly cloudy with a few showers. Northerlies developing. 17C high, 13C overnight.
• Nelson
Periods of rain, heavy at times, with possible thunderstorms from afternoon. Northeasterlies. 16C high, 13C overnight.
• Christchurch
Cloudy. Occasional rain. Northeasterlies easing afternoon. 14C high, 9C overnight.
• Dunedin
Fine. Northeasterlies. 15C high, 7C overnight.