Heavy rain warnings have been lifted for much of the country but MetService says the central North Island should brace itself for bursts of thundery rain and strong gales overnight.
Photo: John Law / MetService
Rain is expected to hit the high country, the ranges of eastern Bay of Plenty and also Buller with a full heavy rain warning in place for the Tararua Ranges.
Duty meteorologist David Miller said northwest gales were likely for lower parts of the North Island with strong gusts possible.
He said northwest gales gusting to about 130km per hour were expected in the east of the North Island, including Wairarapa, Hawke's Bay and Gisborne, particularly near the ranges.
Mr Miller said rain warnings in Nelson and Marlborough had been lifted and the rain and thunderstorms would ease off overnight.
The Fire Service was kept busy from late morning to mid-afternoon attending to 40 weather related calls in Auckland including a blown out window in the central city. There were another 10 weather-related calls in Bay of Plenty and Waikato.
