It's a wet and windy start to autumn, with a severe thunderstorm watch in place on Monday for much of the North Island, as well as the top of the South.

Wind gusts have reached more than 140 kmph in exposed parts of Canterbury Monday morning.

MetService has placed much of the upper South Island and lower North Island under heavy rain, strong wind or thunderstorm warnings.

Metservice meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane spoke to Charlotte Cook.