Chance of North Island thunderstorms as rain breaks dry spell across the country

Wellingtonians will be breathing a small sigh after rain brought much-needed relief to one of the driest Novembers in 90 years.

The capital got 11.8mm yesterday while Christchurch, which is also in the grip of a dry spell, got 12.6mm on Tuesday, MetService records show.

Water restrictions were put in place in Wellington at the end of November as water reservoirs got dangerously low while water restrictions in Christchurch have been put on hold for the time being.

Christchurch had a record run of 47 days without rain while it is had been a month since rain fell in Wellington.

In other parts of the country, sudden downpours flooded Timaru after a record rainfall of 26.4mm of rain in just 12 hours.

MetService has said the abnormally dry period is affecting the entire country.

There are moderate chances of thunderstorms this morning throughout the North Island, with Gisborne and the Hawke's Bay most at risk.