Key Points:

Relief is in sight for drought-stricken Waikato with rain forecast for the North Island over the next few days.

A low pressure system is dragging wet air from the tropics which will bring wind and rain.

The first bout will make its way down the island from Northland later today or tonight.

Weather analyst Philip Duncan warns there will be wind gusts reaching 100km/hr across the northern part of Northland and up to 80km/hr across Auckland Harbour.

Winds of 100km/hr are already lashing Cape Reinga.

Rain will reach Waikato tonight or tomorrow and should last up to 36 hours.

- NEWSTALK ZB