Thunderstorms likely to come in from the north this afternoon

Heavy rain and possible thunderstorms are likely north of Waikato and in the Bay of Plenty this afternoon, MetService says.

A severe weather watch has been issued for the Bay of Plenty area for this afternoon, with localised downpours likely in the eastern ranges during the afternoon and evening.

Possible thunderstorms will start to move over the North Island from the north late morning, with associated heavy rain likely.

By the afternoon, the rain and storms will have spread over Northland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty and possibly as far south as Waikato and Taupo.

In the South Island, there is also a low risk of thunderstorms in the afternoon along the northern and central West Coast, as well as along the eastern coast from about Kaikoura to Timaru.

For the latest weather for your area, click here