More rain is on the way for Tauranga today before it fines up for the weekend.

After a stormy night the MetService is predicting rain with the chance of heavy showers this afternoon before it begins to clear tomorrow.

The St Patrick's Day trough 'brought useful amounts of rain” to the northern and central parts of the North Island, with 10 to 40mm falling in many places.

MetService meteorologist John Law says there is still some rain and heavy showers left in the complex trough.

'However, it is only likely to be beneficial to the southern half of the North Island and the north of the South Island.

'The trough should weaken as it pushes further north and a cooler southerly flow breaks out over the North Island late this afternoon.”

He says the next high is waiting in the wings and is expected to spread across the entire country by the end of the week, bringing a return to mostly dry weather.

Sunshine is forecast to return to Tauranga on Thursday with daily highs remaining around the 20 degree mark.