Weather: Heavy rain on its way

Infrared satellite imagery til 1:30pm shows convection building along a front & tracking near Northland. More rain coming for Auckland too. pic.twitter.com/kRmsz6Mgft

— NIWA Weather (@NiwaWeather) August 28, 2017

Heavy rain is expected to hit parts of the country this evening - some rainfall amounts possibly reaching warning criteria.

The MetService has issued a severe heavy rain watch in the Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua and the ranges of Westland south of Otira.

An update this afternoon said more than 30mm of rain fell in three hours in New Plymouth this morning leading to significant surface flooding in parts of the city.

In Auckland and Northland, gusts of 90km/h have been reported today.

Meteorologist Angus Hines said low pressure systems would affect the country's weather conditions this week.

The first system will approach Northland from the west and will bring with it cloud and rain or showers to the top half of the North Island.

"The current rain band and strong winds will continue to impact us for much of [today].

"But most places will be clearing out tonight and [tomorrow] will be the nicest day of the week for much of the country," Hines said.

There will, however, be some isolated showers in western areas tomorrow.

Other low pressure weather systems forecast later in the week will bring some rain and southerly winds to eastern parts of New Zealand, before another system affects the top of the North Island on Friday.

"Timing is a little uncertain, but most of the North Island should expect some rain by Saturday."

Those heading on any outdoor pursuits or activities are urged to keep a close eye on weather forecasts this week.