Thunderstorms are being experienced across the North Island.

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued this morning for Northland, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Taupo, Bay of Plenty and Taihape.

MetService meteorologist Emma Blades said lightning strikes are now being seen in the Gisborne region, and heavy showers are starting to fall over Northland and Hawke's Bay.

She said they're expecting up to 40 millimetres of rain per hour in some areas, and that could result in localised flooding.

She said the wild weather is a result of sea breezes converging with hot air above land.

"Basically from now we are expecting more thunderstorms to develop through to this evening, then it will ease off tonight as things cool down."