Widespread rain, possible thunderstorms and strong winds are forecast to batter the North Island during the first week of December. 

MetService called this week the start of the meteorological summer with “a broad range of weather” predicted. 

Forecaster Mmathapelo Makgabutlane told the Herald a low-pressure system would move towards the country today, cross New Zealand tomorrow and head towards the east by Thursday. 

She said almost all of the North Island should experience very active weather during the next three days. 

“It has already been quite warm, a lot of rain and thunderstorm activity, and we’re expecting more of that this week.” 

Makgabutlane said heavy showers and thunderstorms were forecast to begin early this morning for most of the upper North Island. 

“During the day on Tuesday and overnight into Wednesday, we expect that to continue. 

“That includes Northland, Auckland, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty. Pretty much everywhere in the upper parts of the North Island.” 

A severe thunderstorm watch is currently in force for Northland until 7am today. 

MetService predicted the most likely areas to be affected were the northern and eastern parts of Northland, north of Whangārei. 

“Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips.” 

Makgabutlane predicted the heavy rain and showers to continue through tomorrow and into Thursday. 

“This time we could see quite strong winds as well, especially for places like Northland, Auckland and Coromandel. I would say most of the North Island, but those places in particular,” she said. 

“The first real relief we get comes in the later part of Thursday. There will probably still be some showers around with some lingering southwesterly winds. 

“But on Friday, it seems to be the day where we really do get a break from the weather.” 

Similar conditions are forecast to affect the rest of the North Island today, tomorrow and Thursday. 

“Especially Wellington, Wairarapa and the Kāpiti Coast. We could see quite wet weather and some strong southerly winds in there,” Makgabutlane said. 

In the South Island, wet weather is forecast to impact the eastern parts, especially North Canterbury and Marlborough. 

“The exact movement and location of the low-pressure system will determine how much rain the South Island gets.” 

Makgabutlane said humid conditions would also linger in the North Island, making for muggy nights. 

Auckland is forecast to reach a high of 24C today and 25C tomorrow, while tonight’s low is predicted to be 18C. 

“We are picking humid conditions tonight into tomorrow for the North Island,” Makgabutlane said. 

“The South Island actually has cooler conditions for the next few days, especially out in the east. But by the end of the week, we are back out to the mid to high 20s.”