Campers and holidaymakers across New Zealand can mostly relax with warm, fine weather today and for the rest of the week, but some areas will need to keep umbrellas and decks of cards close to hand, with pockets of showers on the way.
While most of the country relaxes in balmy temperatures today and recovers from last night's revelry, thunderstorms are expected for inland parts of the central North Island this afternoon and evening.
As the afternoon heats up, Rotorua, Taupo, eastern Taihape and inland parts of Gisborne and Hawkes Bay, especially near the ranges, could see thunderstorms today and into this evening, with "localised downpours" of 25-40mm per hour.
Forecasters have warned that the heavy rain could cause surface flooding or flash flooding and have warned of slips and hazardous driving conditions.
"One place could get a very heavy downfall, and somewhere not far down the road could not get very much," MetService meteorologist Claire Flynn said.
