Thunderstorm risk across large swathes of New Zealand as most of the country wakes up to wet weather

Large swathes of both the North and South Islands could be slammed with thunderstorms this morning, bringing up to 25 millimetres of heavy rain per hour.

MetService has predicted a moderate risk for the North Island storm, with the affected area ranging from Northland to the Tararua ranges.

There is also a moderate risk on the West Coast of the South Island, with the chances of thunderstorms lessening to a low risk in most other regions of the island and no risk in Southland.

"The current conditions over New Zealand are ideal for thunderstorm development; good heating from the sun, humid air and colder temperatures higher in the atmosphere," meteorologist Tui McInnes said in a statement issued on MetService’s website.

"However, while the risk of thunderstorms is broad, these phenomena are localised and isolated in nature. This means that while you may be in an area of risk, you may not hear any thunder."

While not yet manifesting as thunderstorms, most of New Zealand is waking up to wet weather this morning, says Breakfast weatherman Matty McLean.

But there is good news on the horizon, MetService promises, with "settled weather" across the country leading into the weekend.

"Kiwis can expect some warmer temperatures, lighter winds and potentially sunny skies, making way for that summer feeling," McLean said.