Blustery winds, heavy showers, hail and thunderstorms have affected those living in the western North Island but conditions are going to ease…but not until Thursday.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says westerly winds are near gale about exposed parts of the Far North and the Hauraki Gulf with gusts reaching 70 to 90km/h.

The latest rain radar shows more heavy showers moving into Northland this afternoon and early evening and more heavy showers moving in to Taranaki, Waikato and Auckland this evening and overnight.

The strong winds should start to ease during Thursday and are likely to die overnight and into Friday before turning north west and building again Friday afternoon.

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