After a long dry spell, showers are expected across areas of the North Island today

Rain over the South Island's moved northwards overnight, and is now lingering over areas of Auckland and Northland - where heavy rain watches are in place.

MetService Meteorologist Dan Corrigan, says it's not likely to pour all day, but will come in heavy patches.

He says while this is welcome after a dry February, the peak intensities coupled with hard, dry ground can lead to surface flooding in localised areas.