Heavy rain and squally thunderstorms are expected to move over the North Island from late this evening, according to MetService.
The forecaster said an active front would move eastwards from late Thursday to early Saturday, bringing periods of heavy rain and possible squally thunderstorms.
"As the day progresses, we can expect the rain to intesify, especially in the ranges. Cloudy in the rest of New Zealand this morning, with scattered rain arriving this afternoon.
"Be alert for heavy rain in Taranaki, which is still expected to arrive this evening," it said online.
An orange heavy rain warning was issued for Bay of Plenty east of Whakatāne and Taranaki north of Eltham, where 120mm of rain was expected and 150 to 200 mm around Taranaki Maunga.
"Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.
"Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously," MetService said.
MetService meteorologist Hather Keats said it would be a "wet and maybe thundery day with a couple of active fronts tracking over the country today and tomorrow".
She said other regions could be added to the watches and warnings list laster today as the weather develops.
Full watches and warnings list
Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Bay of Plenty east of Whakatāne – 12 hours from 5pm Friday to 5am Saturday.
Taranaki north of Eltham – 20 hours from 11pm today to 7pm Friday.
Heavy Rain Watch
Bay of Plenty from Whakatāne westwards, Rotorua and Taupō – nine hours from 2pm Friday to 11pm Friday.
Waitomo, Taumarunui and Tongariro National Park – 18 hours from 3am Friday to 9pm Friday.
Horowhenua, Kapiti Coast, Wellington and the Tararua Range – 26 hours from midnight tonight to 2am Saturday.
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