More heavy rain is about to return to a number of regions as sub-tropical conditions continue to affect many parts of the country.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says the remnants of a sub-tropical low currently in the central Tasman Sea will become more organised and drift slowly across the country during Sunday.

Heavy rain will affect the entire west coast of New Zealand as far north as Auckland with heavy rain also pushing in across the North Island.

Rain will also move back into many dry regions such as Nelson and Marlborough.

The secondary rain band could tip the balance in a positive way for some dry regions.

Meanwhile today a risk remains in place for thunderstorms over much of the North Island during the afternoon and evening.

Keep up to date with the live and free Lightning Tracker across the afternoon.

Homepage image / Mathew Tyler