It's warmer but wetter with rain setting in throughout the Bay this morning.
According to MetService there will be severe gales and heavy rain on the way for parts of central and southern New Zealand, and heavy snow possible in the far south.
A complex front, which has been over the South Island earlier this week, moves over the North Island today, MetService said.
"This front is preceded by strong north-to-northwest winds, and followed by a cold southwest change. Warnings and watches for wind, rain, and snow are now in force for parts of central and southern New Zealand."
A heavy rain watch remains in place for the ranges of Bay of Plenty east of Whakatāne and Gisborne, north of Ruatoria, from 9am to 6pm today.