Weather: Summer off to a rough start with wind, rain forecast

  • 01/12/2018

The first day of summer isn't likely to bring long-awaited sunshine to most of the country.

A front has moved over from the Tasman Sea, expected to bring rain for Northland, Auckland, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty and Nelson.

MetService meteorologist Ravi Kandula told Newshub it mainly affects coastal areas.

"Some inland parts of Waikato and Taupo will see rainfall, but the accumulations there are not expected to be significant at this stage," he said.

Southland, central Otago and inland Fiordland are at risk of thunderstorms.

Heavy rain and strong wind watches are in place for Northland, Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato and the Bay of Plenty.

Mr Kandula said residents should expect very warm, moist conditions.

NIWA weather is also warning of rough wind conditions as the North Island prepares for the weather to hit.

Meanwhile forecaster WeatherWatch is sharing photos of engorged rivers and flooding caused by yesterday's rain.

Newshub.