There is a chance for thunderstorms across much of the South Island and eastern North Island on Saturday.
MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Bay of Plenty, Taupō, Gisborne and Hawke's Bay from 1pm until 9pm.
"There is a moderate risk of thunderstorms for central and eastern parts of the North Island this afternoon and evening," MetService said.
"These thunderstorms will bring localised heavy rain and small hail. In addition, these thunderstorms are expected to be slow-moving and, consequently, there is a moderate risk that some of these storms could become severe, producing localised downpours of 25 to 40 mm per hour, or possibly more.
MetService said rainfall of this intensity can cause surface or flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas, and driving conditions will be hazardous.
"The areas at risk are eastern Bay of Plenty, eastern Taupo, inland Gisborne and Hawke's Bay."
Moving southwards, MetService said there is a low risk of thunderstorms in Nelson, Marlborough and inland Canterbury on Saturday afternoon and evening. However, for inland parts of Marlborough and Nelson, the risk is moderate, producing heavy rain of 10 to 25 mm/h and small hail.
Meanwhile, a trough moves onto the far south of the South Island on Saturday afternoon bringing a low risk of a few thunderstorms for the southwest of Fiordland, Stewart Island and coastal parts of Southland and Clutha this afternoon and evening.
MetService's short forecast:
Northland to Waikato, including the Coromandel
Mainly fine.
Waitomo to Kapiti, including the central high country, also Gisborne and Hawke's Bay
A few showers spreading north this morning, with thunderstorms inland from the afternoon, then mostly clearing this evening, but lingering about Gisborne and Hawke's Bay.
Wellington and Wairarapa
Scattered rain or showers, possibly thundery north of Masterton this afternoon, easing in the evening.
Buller, Westland and Fiordland
Isolated showers, clearing to fine north of Milford Sound this morning.
Nelson
Mainly fine. Isolated showers from the afternoon.
Marlborough and Canterbury
Mostly cloudy. Showers or rain, possibly heavy from the afternoon.
Otago and Southland
Mostly cloudy with scattered showers, a few possibly heavy this afternoon. However, mainly fine about Queenstown and Wānaka until evening.
