A southerly change is coming but not before more heavy downpours with isolated thunderstorms sweep over the upper and western North Island.

More downpours will continue this evening, through to tomorrow morning, says WeatherWatch.co.nz.

"Some may have hail and thunder - then it eases on Thursday as a windier south to south west change sweeps in.

"This SW change covers most of New Zealand for Friday and Saturday before fading out on Sunday as a large high rolls in."