Conditions are set to ease around the country today – but there are still a number of weather risks – particularly in the northern half of the North Island.

Many coastal areas will receive more of a buffeting today – gusty winds coming in from the west or southwest could get up to gale force at times pretty consistently.

There’s the chance of thunderstorms for places north of the Waikato too – including the Bay of Plenty – with heavy showers, possibly sustained rainfall, and squally winds coming through from the westerly quarter.

Wellington has been hit with some fairly heavy rain this morning – nearly 24mm(!) falling between 4 and 6am, but this has since eased – and should remain much lighter through the morning.

We encourage everyone to stay up to date and informed with weather warnings and Civil Defence, keep your radios on just in case – but it’s looking like just an ugly day all round – at least until lunchtime.

We’re expecting the risk of serious storms to fall away after midday and things look like clearing up through the afternoon as this low system moves on.

As always – let us know what’s happening at your place, and send us through some pics like the one below – it’s from Chris Johnson on our Facebook page!

– Aaron Wilkinson & Drew Chappell, WeatherWatch.co.nz

– Photos: Chris Johnson