Summer has got off to a wet start, with thundery showers forecast to sweep through parts of Aotearoa — so what can Kiwis expect for the rest of the week?
MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane told 1News the country currently has a large draw of warm, moist air from the tropics, which provides the "juice" for active weather over the North Island.
This is also aided by warm daytime temperatures which help spark things off — a combination which may add to more wet weather in the future as summer continues.
"In general, although El Niño is currently playing out and is expected to continue to strengthen this month, the door is not closed on other short-term climate drivers influencing our weather in Aotearoa New Zealand, bringing an unsettled start to the season, especially across the North Island," she said.
In the next few days, Makgabutlane said areas which have thunderstorms forecast are most likely to be in line for heavier showers.
Overall, the North Island can expect a showery next few days with some thunderstorms thrown in the mix.
"Things kick up in the South Island from mid-week as a frontal weather system moves up the island and brings rain to the West Coast and brief showers to lower and eastern parts.
"By Friday the country is under a ridge of high pressure promising sunshine to close out the working week."
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