Giant swells are set to hit Wellington's coastline today

A heavy swell warning has been issued for the Capital's southern coast, which will last until 11 o'clock tonight.

Swells are expected to be around four and a half metres high, and a strong wind watch is in place.

MetService forecaster Heath Gullery says there are also likely to be showers across southern and eastern parts of the country.

He says thunderstorms and heavy showers are passing across Auckland and Northland this morning.

He says the weather will gradually ease tomorrow.