Sunday has a mix of drizzle patches, dry spells and downpours across the country along with some thunderstorms.

Rain will be broken up today with heavy set in falls but other surrounding areas drier with lighter spits.

Both islands have the same set up with the upper North Island and western side of the nation most exposed to heavy rain and driest areas in the east.

Thunderstorms are most likely in afternoon downpours in the upper North Island. Keep an eye on the MetService thunderstorm outlook for more details.

The map below shows the main risk areas (in red) for *potential* thunderstorms today. Check your local hourly forecast for more information.

It’s another warmer than average day across most of NZ except for Southland and Otago which see temperatures drop back to normal or even slightly below normal.

Highs: 11 to 25 (coolest in the south of the South Island)

– WeatherWatch.co.nz