MetService says an approaching low from the Tasman Sea could bring intense downpours, thunderstorms and strong winds into this evening.
The forecaster said it was "wet, windy, and warm across the central and upper North Island" today as the low was expected to move slowly over the North Island on Thursday.
It said heavy rain and severe gales were likely for northern and central areas of the country, and forecaster expanded some of its earlier watches and warnings to include more regions this afternoon.
Orange heavy rain warnings were issued for the Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty west of Kawerau and inland parts of the Tasman District west of Motueka as rain feeds in from the North.
Wellington, Marlborough east of Seddon and the Marlborough Sounds were all placed under orange strong wind warnings "especially through Cook Strait", a MetService spokesperson said.
Heavy rain watches were in effect for Auckland, Great Barrier Island and Bay of Plenty about and east of Kawerau until Thursday morning.
Up to 100mm per hour of rain was expected "with peaks rates of 25 to 40 mm/h in possible localised downpours and thunderstorms from evening."
Upgraded warnings as low brings heavy rain, big swells and strong winds - watch on TVNZ+
MetService meteorologist John Law said the "main risk" today was heavy rainfall in areas such as the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel.
Meanwhile, he said much colder conditions were expected for the South Island on Thursday with heavy snow for higher elevations, particularly for North Canterbury and Marlborough.
Current watches and warnings list
Heavy Rain Warning – Orange
Coromandel Peninsula – 11 hours from 9am to 8pm today.
Bay of Plenty west of Kawerau – 16 hours from 10am today to 2am Thursday.
Inland parts of the Tasman District west of Motueka – 13 hours from 11am today to 12am Thursday.
Strong Wind Warning – Orange
Wellington, Marlborough east of Seddon and the Marlborough Sounds – 22 hours from 8pm Thursday to 6pm Friday.
Heavy Rain Watch
Auckland and Great Barrier Island – seven hours from 9am to 4pm today.
Bay of Plenty about and east of Kawerau – 14 hours from 3pm today to 5am Thursday.
Strong Wind Watch
Northland north of Whangārei – nine hours from 9am Thursday to 6pm Thursday.
Taranaki – 23 hours from 7pm Thursday to 6pm Friday.
Horowhenua and Kapiti Coast – 19 hours from 8pm Thursday to 3pm Friday.
Buller, Grey and Westland Districts – 21 hours from 1pm Thursday to 10am Friday.
Road Snowfall Warnings
Lewis Pass (SH7) – 29 hours from 3am Thursday to 8am Friday.
Arthur’s Pass (SH73) – 10 hours from 11pm today to 9am Thursday.
Porters Pass (SH73) – 28 hours from 11pm today to 3am Friday.
Lindis Pass (SH8) – 18 hours from 5pm today to 11am Thursday.
Crown Range Road – seven hours from 5am Thursday to 12pm Thursday.
Milford Road (SH94) – eight hours from 4am Thursday to 12pm Thursday.
Heavy Swell Warnings
Wellington – Cape Terawhiti to Turakirae Head – 15 hours from 3am Friday to 6pm Friday.
Wairarapa – Turakirae Head to Flat Point – 15 hours from 3am Friday to 6pm Friday.
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