Warnings are being issued as a front brings rain and severe weather to New Zealand.
The front, preceded by a moist and strong northerly flow, is forecast to move across central and northern New Zealand on Wednesday and Thursday, bringing heavy rain and strong winds.
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Heavy rain watches have been issued for the central and northern New Zealand, including Auckland, on Thursday, with localised downpours of 25 to 35mm/hr possible.
"Rain could be torrential about some northeastern regions then easing during the afternoon/evening," WeatherWatch says.
"Hawkes Bay and Gisborne sees heavy rain pick up from afternoon then easing overnight."
It will be followed by cooler southwesterlies spreading northwards, bringing more rain, snow, and a drop in temperatures.
"A return to typical July temps tomorrow as a southerly change spreads north may come as a bit of a shock to some of those more delicate folk!" MetService warns. "Be prepared for the weather ahead."
The cooler southwest change will mean snow will lower to around 800-900 metres in parts of the South Island. Snow will also drop to 1000 metres in the North Island on Friday.
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