Weather

The bill was introduced by the previous government in June last year. Audio

Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington dawn ceremonies should be dry but wind and rain expected for Anzac Day, especially in the south.

The country is not ready to respond to large-scale disasters, a major report into last year's catastrophic storms says.

El Niño, which has delivered a lack of rain in the east and cooler weather lately, is on the way out, NIWA says. Audio

Travellers' plans are being hampered by low visibility, while further north, people are being warned of downpours and thunderstorms.

Heavy rain watches have been put in place for the northern half of the North Island from Saturday afternoon.

The upper North Island has been hit by heavy rain overnight and more is to come.

Temperatures soared above 48C in Mali last month with one hospital linking hundreds of deaths to the extreme heat.

A lack of rain on the North Island's East Coast may be good for the area's fruit and vegetable growers - but the dry is starting to bite for pastoral farmers.

Flights into Dubai International Airport have been diverted after a storm hit the region.

Freight crossings on the Rangitata rail bridge will be paused for another few days while repairs are carried out.

Storms have eased overnight though parts of the country may still experience strong winds and showers today.

All state highways throughout the West Coast are now open after State Highway 6 fully reopened at 6pm.

Spring Creek residents did not have to evacuate today as expected - but compromised stopbanks mean the community remains at risk during future storm events.

The past couple of days have seen severe weather nationwide.