KEY POINTS:
The country is set to be assaulted by six cold fronts over the next few days, bringing rain to the north and snow to the south.
Radio Network head weather analyst Philip Duncan said the first front was crossing today, with wet weather for northern parts of the North Island.
In Auckland, firefighters have been dealing with weather-related calls as heavy rain pounds the city.
The Fire Service said a garage had been flooded in Birkenhead, on the North Shore, and a fallen tree had been cleared off the Pakuranga Highway in the east.
Firefighters have also dealt with several alarm calls triggered by the heavy rain.
Waikato Police have warned motorists to drive with particular care over the Kaimai Ranges where high winds and heavy rain are making driving difficult.
MetService said there would be brief heavy rainfalls and thunderstorms for Northland and the Coromandel Peninsula.
It issued a heavy rain warning for Bay of Plenty, Mt Taranaki and the Nelson area and said the rain would be followed by squally showers and thunderstorms over northern and central New Zealand.
Philip Duncan said another front would hit the South Island tomorrow, with the possibility of snow in Southland, Otago and Canterbury.
Mr Duncan said it was too early to predict snow in Christchurch, but he was confident the Port Hills would get a light dusting.
- NEWSTALK ZB with NZHERALD STAFF
