Severe thunderstorm watch for Bay of Plenty and Rotorua this afternoon

Rotorua Daily Post

26 Feb, 2026 07:54 PMQuick Read

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A thunderstorm watch is now in place for the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua regions.

A fast‑developing and unstable air mass is expected to bring showery, potentially severe thunderstorms across inland Bay of Plenty and Rotorua this afternoon and evening, with the risk window in effect from 3pm to 11pm
today. .

The affected area includes inland Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Taupō, Taihape, Taumarunui, Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay.

The MetService highlights a moderate risk of severe thunderstorms, particularly for the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua districts, where localised downpours could be intense.

Forecasters warn that thunderstorms could bring rainfall rates of 25–40mm an hour, enough to cause surface flooding, flash flooding and slips, especially in low‑lying or confined areas such as streams, rivers and narrow valleys.