Rain with possible thunder has been forecast to hit Tauranga today.
The Metservice has issued a severe weather watch for the Rotorua and eastern Bay of Plenty area, and Tauranga is expected to receive some wet weather as the rain band travels through.
Thunderstorms were also possible for Tauranga today.
An active trough, accompanied by a broad area of strong moist northwesterlies, will move eastwards over the country.
A period of heavy rain is expected to hit the eastern Bay from late Tuesday morning until late Tuesday afternoon. During this time accumulations may approach warning criteria.