What started out as a typical summer’s day in the Bay of Plenty is expected to end on a thundery note.

In its latest update, MetService said the area would likely receive showers, and potentially thunderstorms and hail from the afternoon.

Elsewhere, conditions are largely fine.

“Thunderstorms feed on warm temperatures and moisture near the surface, so with plenty of both around there is a very good chance we will see some form around the country,” MetService meteorologist Alec Holden said.

“The warmer air mass assisting the formation of thunderstorms gets swept away on Friday, ahead of a large high pressure drawing close to the country from the west, meaning a noticeable drop towards more comfortable temperatures.”

Holden said people could expect a pretty nice day come the end of the working week: “there will be showers around, but you would be unlucky to see one”.

The high-pressure system moves atop the country on Saturday, likely resulting in a very pleasant day across the country, an excellent prospect if you have some washing to do.

On Sunday, weather conditions should still be nice for most areas but northerly winds are expected to increase over the South Island, heralding a new front approaching the country from the west to kick off Monday.