Bad weather is on the way as a rainband with embedded thunderstorms moves towards the North Island on Tuesday night.
Heavy rain watches have been issued for Wednesday in two regions, while there's a risk of thunderstorms and tornadoes in some locations.
The good news is that it'll generally be milder this week, compared to the freezing temperatures felt by many last week.
On Wednesday, the low-pressure system will move south across New Zealand, bringing a chance of heavy rain and thunderstorms to northern and central parts of the country, according to MetService.
Rain is forecast to reach Taranaki and Bay of Plenty/Te Moana a Toi by about midday Wednesday.
These places can expect localised downpours of up to 25mm per hour, while Northland/Tai Tokerau can expect downpours of up to 40mm per hour in the morning.
Downpours can cause surface flooding and make driving hazardous - but they're not the only risk.
"The thunderstorms may also bring wind gusts of 80-90km/h, and there is a low risk of one or two small tornadoes about coastal areas," said Metservice, particularly in coastal Bay of Plenty and Northland.
Heavy rain is also expected overnight Tuesday for the top of the South Island/Te Waipounamu.
Heavy rain watches
BAY OF PLENTY (EASTERN RANGES)
Wednesday May 15, from 9am to 10pm
A period of heavy rain is forecast, with possible thunderstorms. Rainfall amounts may approach (orange) warning criteria.
TASMAN (ABOUT & WEST OF MOTUEKA)
Wednesday May 15, from 4am to 5pm
A period of heavy rain is forecast, and amounts may approach (orange) warning criteria.
'Chaotic set-up'
And another big low is on its way too later this week, according to WeatherWatch.
Some places may get a mixed bag of temperatures, due to a combination of sub-Antarctic and subtropical airflows.
"The chaotic set-up feels like autumn," said WeatherWatch.
Canterbury/Waitaha and Hawke's Bay/Te Matau a Māui may see some rain, but it's unlikely to alleviate near-drought conditions in these regions.
