Heavy rain and thunderstorms are set to drench Aotearoa at the end of this week, forecasters predict. 

MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris told the Herald Aucklanders should expect wet weather today. 

“The morning might be okay but there is the risk of showers that look more persistent and widespread throughout the afternoon,” he said. 

“There is a risk of thunderstorms increasing throughout the second half of the day. 

“We’re potentially seeing some quite heavy falls for the commute home from work, making things a bit slower.” 

Ferris said those walking to work in the morning could avoid the worst of the weather. 

“But the afternoon could be wet for most places. If you’re caught in one, it would be about doing the best to reduce your movements.” 

He estimated 10-20mm of rain an hour would be likely for most of Auckland. 

“Through the afternoon, some isolated spots could see 25-40mm an hour. 

“There is also a risk of thunderstorms for quite a large portion of the North Island in the second half of the day,” Ferris said. 

A severe thunderstorm watch is in place for Taranaki until 11pm. 

Ferris said that could be extended through the northern parts of the North Island. 

A heavy rain warning is in place for the Marlborough Sounds, Richmond Range and the Rai Valley until 1pm where residents can expect 90-110mm of rain. 

A heavy rain watch is in place for Marlborough south of the Richmond Range and the Kaikōura Coast until 3pm. 

Heavy rain watches are also in place for Nelson and Tasman Districts north of Nelson Lakes, Buller north of Granity and Wellington until early this morning. 

Ferris said the Marlborough Sounds looked like the region where the most persistent and heavy rain would occur during the second half of today. 

“Those surrounding areas, the rest of Marlborough, Nelson, Tasman and parts of Wellington will see a decent stretch of rain as we move through the day,” he said. 

Temperatures across the North Island are forecast to remain in the mid-20s today. 

However, the eastern and southern parts of the South Island are forecast to experience chillier conditions, with Christchurch reaching a high of 17C, and Dunedin, Oamaru and Invercargill reaching a high of 15C, according to NIWA Weather.