Weather: New Zealand in store for a lashing from strong winds, rain, thunderstorms

Wild weather is on the way, with forecasters warning Kiwis to be prepared.

A bout of unsettled weather is set to hit parts of the North Island today, bringing rain and strong winds.

MetService says localised squally thunderstroms are possible across much of the west and northern coasts on Tuesday morning and into the afternoon.

It said on Twitter on Monday night the thunderstorms could pass over the Auckland area around mid-morning and could bring temporary surface flooding, debris and poor visibility on the roads.

A heavy rain watch is currently in place for Tararua Range, Buller and Westland, meanwhile, a strong wind watch is in place for Auckland, Taranaki, Taihape, inland Whanganui, Wellington and Wairarapa.

Temperatures are also expected to drop in the South Island, with NIWA saying the ski fields will get a dusting.

"A few episodes of colder air this week will allow for *some* [snow] for South Island ski fields. But unfortunately, nothing terribly widespread & nothing overly substantial."

Newshub.