Heavy rain has blanketed the Auckland region, causing fears of flash flooding and thunderstorms.
It's expected to last across the afternoon, but the rest of the week isn't looking any better from Monday onwards as further rain is forecast.
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The heavy rain set in at around 2pm on Sunday, causing fears some Auckland residents could be caught by surprise by flash flooding.
"Heavy downpours with thunderstorms, risk of flash flooding developing across the region now/next hour," forecaster Weather Watch warned.
"Take extreme care in unstable weather conditions next 60 minutes (2pm to 3pm)."
MetService warns that downpours with thunder and hail have caused surface flooding in the central Auckland suburbs of Grey Lynn and Westmere.
It says says more rain is forecast for the week ahead, as a trough of low pressure stretches across New Zealand.
"There are currently severe weather warnings in place for heavy rain over Wairarapa and Marlborough, extending well into Monday, and we are watching remaining eastern parts of the South Island closely," said MetService forecaster Cameron Coutts.
Mr Coutts said western areas of the South Island and south-west of the North Island should escape the weather.
"Also looking warm for the sheltered West Coast of the South Island, with temperatures there heading into the 20degCs right through the week," he said.
NIWA says skies have darkened noticeably in Three Kings, posting images of roads covered with water. It warned people to drive to the conditions.
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