"There is one main difference between Auckland's set-in rain and what the West Coast gets - today the rain is fairly patchy and light, not at the levels we see further south."
He said he couldn't rule out "a few drizzly/dry spells today" but heavier downpours were coming in before finally easing overnight.
The MetService severe weather watch for heavy rain and strong winds over the upper North Island until tomorrow morning remains in place.
A deep low is approaching from the north Tasman Sea today. It is expected to cross New Zealand tonight and tomorrow, bringing significant rain and strong winds to the North Island.
Rain or showers are forecast to continue through to Sunday for Auckland and Hamilton, while Wellington can expect a clearance on Saturday and a fine Sunday.
The forecast
Auckland
Tomorrow - Showers easing for a time, 18C
Saturday - Showers clearing in afternoon,15C
Hamilton
Tomorrow - Showers easing for a time,17C
Saturday - Showers easing in the morning, 14C
Wellington
Tomorrow - Rain easing in the morning, 13C
Saturday - Showers clearing in the afternoon,13C
Christchurch
Tomorrow - Morning fog, rain developing, 11C
Saturday - Rain clearing in the afternoon, 13C
Dunedin
Tomorrow - Drizzle turns to rain, 11C
Saturday - Rain clearing in the morning, 13C