Showers, some heavy with thunder and hail have been affecting various coastal parts of the North Island over the past 24 hours – and today it is winding down.

While a few heavy showers are still possible around Waikato and Auckland this morning, also coastal Hawkes Bay and Gisborne, the overall trend is for these showers to ease into the afternoon.

By tonight most places should be dry, with perhaps a few isolated showers remaining around coastal parts of the upper North Island.

Most of Friday and all of Saturday look dry for the North Island.

In the South Island most places should be dry over Friday and Saturday but rain or showers are likely on the West Coast, especially Friday night and Saturday.

– Image / Chris Johnson

– WeatherWatch.co.nz