Many may not realise it but conditions are starting to dry out across a number of regions across New Zealand – and farmers and gardeners in the north will be hoping they get a good soaking from tonight’s predicted rain.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says while they are tracking a couple of areas of heavy rain, most places are only in for patchy precipitation in the form of light rain, showers or even just drizzle.

The weather news authority says thick cloud but mostly dry conditions will linger until later this evening across many parts of the upper North Island.

Drizzle and light spits of rain are predicted after dark with some areas receiving a brief period of rain or heavier showers at some stage overnight.

On Tuesday any rain will be around East Cape with showers elsewhere – and long dry spells.

However the system is incredibly disorganised making it tricky to track the rain bands.  WeatherWatch.co.nz says parts of Northland, Coromandel, eastern Bay of Plenty and East Cape are at highest risk for a downpour overnight but predicts most places will receive less than 5 or 15mm.

Homepage image / File, Dylan Ray

– WeatherWatch.co.nz