Heavy rain and strong winds are hitting the North Island today.

Severe weather warnings are in place for many regions, including the Bay of Plenty.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says rain pushes southwards down over the North Island today.

"Rain is heavy this morning for Northland / Auckland, becoming heavy a little later this morning about Bay Of Plenty through to East Cape and Gisborne," says a spokesperson for the weather organisation.

"Heavy rain may reach into Hawke's Bay from this afternoon.

"Strong east to southeasterly winds lie over the upper North Island this morning then strong easterly quarter winds spread southwards, the strongest winds will be for coastal areas in the east."

MSLP / Rain map – Friday 11th Novermber 2022 4:00pm – Weatherzone.com.au

Unstable for the Far North

After a front clears the far north this afternoon some sun breaks through, says WeatherWatch.co.nz

"The sun brings warm temperatures, this combined with high surface moisture and some cold air aloft means thunderstorms and downpours may develop then easing tonight.

"Afternoon thunderstorms develop for the North Island again on Saturday south of the Waikato, to a lesser extent the upper South Island has a chance of some thunder on Saturday afternoon also."

Warm in the south

Very nice weather about the far south this afternoon (Southland / Otago). Sunny skies, light winds and temperatures in the mid to late twenties.