110km/h wind gusts possible in parts of North Island

Thunderstorms and strong winds could be on the cards for parts of the North Island and top of the south today.

MetService said a low over the Tasman Sea will move onto the North Island, and the associated active front will cross the upper North Island from late this afternoon.

Auckland, Northland northern Waikato and the Coromandel Peninsula have been assessed as having a low risk of severe thunderstorms late this afternoon and evening, along with potential wind gusts greater than 110km/h.

MetService also said there is a moderate risk of thunderstorms for Taranaki, northern Taumarunui, Taupō, and the Bay of Plenty northwards.

"This risk eases in western areas at night. These thunderstorms may be accompanied by heavy rain 10 to 25mm/h, hail of 5 to 15mm in diameter and strong wind gusts of 80 to 110 km/h, especially from afternoon. In addition, there is also a low risk of a small tornado, which could occur with or without a thunderstorm."

It also extended a broader low risk of thunderstorms southwards over inland Gisborne/Tairāwhiti, Taupō, Taihape, western Whanganui, Marlborough Sounds and western parts of the northwest Tasman and Buller districts.

Strong wind watches have been issued for Northland, inland Hawke's Bay, and southern Fiordland, Southland including Stewart Island, Clutha and Dunedin.

The Northland strong wind watch is in place from 2pm to 10pm today, with a moderate chance of upgrading to a warning.

For inland Hawke's Bay, the strong wind watch is in place from "about Napier southwards and the Tararua District" from noon Friday until 6pm Saturday.

MetService said there is a "strong chance" the Napier watch will be upgraded to a warning.

The strong wind watch in southern Fiordland, Southland including Stewart Island, Clutha and Dunedin is in place from 2pm Friday to 2pm Saturday.

MetService said those in the impacted areas should prepare their property by securing items which can be picked up by strong winds, and drive cautiously.