Weather looks fine for brisk walk

As New Zealanders around the country are hunkered down at home, the question of whether it will rain today is becoming even more important to getting out for a walk.

And while central New Zealand will continue to suffer severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, the remainder of the country is forecast to dodge the worst of it.

People in Auckland will likely still be able to step outside for fresh air without needing a brollie and rain jacket for most of the coming week.

The city’s daytime temperature was forecast to stay at about 22C until at least Tuesday, dropping to 12C during the nights.

“Auckland may be in for light winds but overall it’s looking generally fine this week,” MetService meteorologist Andy Best said.

Meanwhile, people isolating in the lower North Island weren’t expected to be so fortunate.

A low front was crossing central New Zealand from the west, which meant people in Taupo¯, Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatu, Wellington and Wairarapa could expect the heavy downpours to continue through to mid-week.

MetService has issued a heavy rain warning for these regions.

In the Wairarapa especially, 80 to 120mm of rain was expected by the end of the weekend.

MetService has forecast peak intensities in the region of 10 to 25mm an hour, and 25 to 40mm during thunderstorms.

In Wellington, a strong wind watch had been issued as southerly gales may become severe in exposed places, MetService said.

Niwa Weather reported heavy cloud and rain was expected in Marlborough and northern Canterbury for much of today.