Photo: AFP
A MetService forecaster says the country has experienced thousands of lightning strikes in the past few hours.
Severe thunderstorm watches remain in place for Wairarapa, Hawke's Bay, Bay of Plenty and Gisborne.
Forecaster Sonja Farmer said an area of the Wairarapa was temporarily moved to a warning earlier this evening after storms were detected near Masterton.
Farmer said 2200 strikes have been recorded, mainly in the eastern North Island ranges, inland from Hawke's Bay.
"A lightning count for the last couple of hours, just over 2000, or 2200.
"Most of those lightning strikes have been in the eastern range of the North Island west of Hawkes Bay."
She said the warning for Wairarapa has since been downgraded and all watches are set to expire by 9pm.
MetService says most of the country will be in for another few days of fine weather during the holiday period.
Kawerau in the Bay of Plenty was the hottest location today, reaching 28 degrees, while the Chatham Islands was the coolest with 17 degrees.
Farmer said there was one thing to look out for during warm afternoons.
"We're looking ahead for the next few days to some fine conditions.
"There might be some afternoon showers as we get that afternoon heat building up again, and there could well be some afternoon thunderstorms later in the week if, again, that heat builds up."
Read MetService's full thunderstorm outlook.
