Rain and showers are falling all over the country this morning.  Precipitation extends from the Coromandel Peninsula and western Bay of Plenty through Waikato and then south into Wairarapa and Wellington.  Some thunder has been reported in Hamilton.  Thundery falls are also likely about the Coromandel Peninsula, western Bay of Plenty and eastern Waikato.

Much of the upper half of the South Island is also getting wet this morning.

The threat for heavy rain continues to shift south today.  Pockets of heavy rain are still possible about central and lower North Island, especially where thunderstorms occur.  But the main threat will be found about the eastern sections of the South Island.

On the North Island, the main threat for heavy rain will be this morning and early afternoon about the Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Wairarapa and Wellington.  Any heavy rain should be brief and spotty.

On the South Island, all of Canterbury and eastern Otago are at the highest risk for seeing heavy rain this afternoon and this evening.  Government forecaster MetService is continuing the heavy rain warnings for these areas.  From this afternoon through Monday, about 110-130mm of rain is possible about the ranges in eastern Otago and inland sections of Canterbury.  40-60mm is expected near the coasts.  Rainfall rates of 2-3mm/hr are likely.  5-10mm/hr are possible.

The likelihood of flooding, slips and rapid rises in streams and rivers is high thanks to the repeated rounds of heavy rain seen over the last few weeks.

By WeatherWatch Analyst Howard Joseph