A heavy rain warning has been issued for parts of the Bay of Plenty as a complex trough moves across the North Island.
In its latest weather update, MetService said the trough would bring the risk of downpours, thunderstorms and strong winds.
An orange heavy rain warning was in place for areas east of Whakatāne from 5pm today through to 3am tomorrow.
Forecasters said between 70mm and 90mm of rain was expected during the 10-hour period, with peak intensities of 15 to 25mm/h in the evening.
Isolated downpours could reach up to 40mm/h, and squally thunderstorms were also possible.
Elsewhere, a heavy rain watch was in place for the wider Bay of Plenty, including areas west of Whakatāne and Taupō, from 3pm to midnight, with a moderate chance it could be upgraded to a warning.
Severe northerly gales may also affect central parts of the North Island as the system tracked east.
Impacts from the heavy rain could include rapidly rising streams and rivers, flooding, slips and hazardous driving conditions.
People in affected areas are being urged to clear drains and gutters, avoid low-lying areas prone to flooding, and take extra care on the roads.
Meteorologist Samkelo Magwala yesterday said embedded thunderstorms could intensify conditions in some areas.
“Even without the exciting cracks of thunder, these embedded thunderstorms could bring more localised impacts,” Magwala said.
He said the storms could lead to short bursts of heavier rain and gusty winds, particularly about higher terrain.
Nationally, a northwesterly flow and embedded fronts were expected to drive wet and unsettled conditions across central and northern regions today.
In the Bay of Plenty, rain was forecast to become heavier from this afternoon, with strong northerly winds developing before a colder southerly change over the weekend.
Conditions were expected to ease from this evening into tomorrow as the front moved further east, before a cooler southerly flow settled in, bringing a drop in temperatures and the chance of frosty mornings.