While the storm is easing across the country with some areas even seeing rays of sunshine, wild weather is expected to strike again on Friday.

Earlier today, South Auckland experienced a brief downpour of rain but it was clearing, WeatherWatch.co.nz head analyst Philip Duncan said.

“Sunny spells are coming back and dry spells are increasing,” he said.

“We now think the thunderstorm is clearing. This was only going to be a short spell.”

While it was 15C today, temperatures would rise to 20C tomorrow and 21C on Friday.

Despite the heavy downpour in South Auckland, Auckland Airport operations shift manager said no domestic flights were affected.

Meanwhile in Hamilton, police were urging drivers in Waikato to be vilgilant as a number of streets have surface flooding due to heavy rain.

Roads affected included Cobham Dr and Maeroa Rd.

There is a risk of thunderstorms in Taranaki this afternoon, however would ease by 4pm today.

“The weather system is zipping up the country and it will go by dusk,” he said.

Wellington had a “rough morning” today with heavy rain, but it would clear by this evening.

Temperatures would rise to 17C tomorrow with gusty northwesterlies.

However there was a chance of another thunderstorm striking Auckland on Friday.

Also developing that day, and the possibility to continue on Saturday, western coast line and central areas of the country could expect thunderstorm, hail and rain,

Areas affected included Cook Strait and would be more “significant” than the storm today.

“It will be the significant nationwide system this year,” Mr Duncan said.

“More people will be affected too.”

Mr Duncan said at some point during Friday and Saturday, most areas of the country would get a “burst of heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms”.

“It’s good news for farmers in the east coast who are waiting for rain and also for skiers and snowboarders too.”

See our latest video about the incoming storm for Friday and the weekend.

– Image / Big towering CB clouds over Auckland today and a very bright sun just behind it / WeatherWatch

– NZHERALD