Rain is on the way for much of the country, with a moderate risk of some severe thunderstorms and hail in some areas.
MetService said a low pressure system was moving eastwards onto New Zealand during the morning. Cooling temperatures in the upper atmosphere would bring unsettled weather to central and northern parts of the country.
The weather agency said an unstable atmosphere, daytime heating and wind convergence were combining to generate showers and thunderstorms over the northern South Island today.
In the far northern areas of Canterbury, Marlborough, eastern Nelson/Tasman and the Nelson Lakes District, there was a moderate risk of severe thunderstorms bringing downpours of 25-40mm/h, and large hail (20mm or larger in diameter) and/or significant hail accumulations.
"Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips," MetService said.
"Large hail can cause significant damage to crops, orchards, vines, glasshouses and vehicles, as well as make driving conditions hazardous.
There was a moderate risk of thunderstorms for Waitomo, Taranaki, Horowhenua, Kāpiti Coast, western Tasman and Buller, with 10-15mm of rain per hour expected.
MetService said in a tweet that it was possible those thunderstorms would bring hail.
Much of the rest of the North Island had a low risk of thunderstorms on Friday.
Meanwhile, Tolaga Bay in Tairāwhiti would see the best weather.
Sunshine, northwest breezes and a high of 26C were expected there, MetService said.
— additional reporting from rnz.co.nz
SHARE ME