MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for parts of the North Island from this afternoon.
The forecaster said afternoon and evening thunderstorms were expected for inland Bay of Plenty (from Rotorua eastwards), eastern Taupō, inland Gisborne, and the Wairoa District from 1pm until 9pm today.
A watch differed from a warning, as it showed where a thunderstorm could potentially form, rather than a warning which showed where one already had formed.
"These thunderstorms may become severe, producing localised downpours with rainfall rates of 25mm to 40mm per hour," it said.
"Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips.
"Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain."
In an update shortly after 1pm, MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said it had been a "relatively settled start to the week", but that would change today as conditions became favourable for "intense downpours and hail" in both islands.
"On Thursday, rain moves onto the far southwest of the South Island, and a heavy rain watch has been issued for Fiordland and southern Westland. The evening may see periods of more intense rain as thunderstorms move through there," she said.
Makgabutlane said further watches and warnings were likely to be issued as a couple of weather systems brought heavy rain and strong winds to the South Island and lower North Island.
"Meanwhile, very warm conditions affect eastern parts of the country in the coming days, with temperatures rising into the 30s from Friday through the weekend."
MetService said heat alerts were likely to be issued for parts of Hawke's Bay, Marlborough and possibly coastal Canterbury.
“A further look out shows that the weekend looks quite unsettled for the lower South Island. While Sunday brings heavy rain to the west, and blustery winds elsewhere and into the lower North Island,' she said.
Earlier this week, the forecaster said people could expect "a great deal of sunshine and dry weather, albeit the odd afternoon shower here and there".
Yesterday, sun "halos" were seen in the skies around the North Island, delighting residents in Tauranga and Whitianga.
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