More heavy rain is moving back in to the central and lower North Island this afternoon and evening prompting further rain warnings to be issued.

Eight weather warnings are now in force covering a large part of the island.  From Kawhia and Tokoroa to Taranaki across Central Plateau, Wanganui and the Ruahine Ranges up to 100mm is possible from 9am to 9pm today.

As of 1:20pm the northern rain radar shows a steady ‘stream’ of rain clouds moving in from about southern Northland to Lake Taupo.  The rain is fairly patchy in places, including Auckland city.

Humidity levels remain very high, in the late 90% range across northern New Zealand.

In the last 30 minutes some very large showers are moving across Northland between Whangarei and Dargaville.  WeatherWatch.co.nz advises motorists travelling on State Highway 1 between Auckland and Whangarei to be prepared for sudden downpours.