Over the weekend, an active band of rain crossed the country bringing short bursts of heavy rain and thunderstorms to many.

'Though many northern areas received only 10 to 30mm of rain, there were a number of intense and localised heavy falls,” says MetService Meteorologist Derek Holland.

The forecast for today is for fine spells with the chance of showers this evening.

The already saturated ground in northern areas led to further problems with surface flooding and slips, especially in Auckland.

The thunderstorms associated with the weather system caused power outages, and brought hail along with the heavy rain and thunder.

The wet weather is expected to continue over the county for the second week of the school holidays, with very changeable conditions expected for many.

Derek says active weather systems crossing New Zealand late Tuesday and also later Thursday will bring bursts of thundery rain.

'Fortunately, the rain will not be as continuous as that experienced in some areas over the past week or so, and in eastern regions rain will be even less likely.

'As these systems move swiftly across the country, gaps in the weather are expected. Temperatures remain mild, and between showers there should be some sunny breaks.”

With the school holidays in their second week, this is a bit of good news for parents looking for chances to get the kids outside.

Northerly wind returns tomorrow to NZ, mild again. Expect cloud to increase after noon, showers by evening/night https://t.co/Yjbq0jxdqz ^CL pic.twitter.com/X9oPwJRrqJ

— MetService (@MetService) October 3, 2016