Bay of Plenty weather: Orange warning for heavy rain and thunderstorms

The first week of summer is dishing up heavy rain and possible thunderstorms for Bay of Plenty.

An orange warning has been issued for the region for 22 hours from 2am Wednesday.

Residents are being told to expect thunderstorms with heavy rain and possible hail, with peak rates of 5 to 25mm/h, but possibly 25 to 40mm/h in localised areas.

MetService meteorologist Devlin Lynden said the wild weather is being caused by a low developing over the Tasman Sea today, which would move towards the country this afternoon.

“That low deepens rapidly and pulls a warm, moist, sub-tropical airmass across the country during Tuesday afternoon and evening.

“It’ll bring widespread rain, strong southwesterly winds and the risk of thunderstorms for many parts of the North Island.

Heavy rain watches are also in place for the central North Island areas of Waitomo, Taumarunui and Taupō, including Tongariro National Park and Taranaki, from the early hours of tomorrow morning for 12 hours.

Fine weather returns to Bay of Plenty on Thursday with sun forecast into Friday and the weekend.

There is a risk of thunderstorms for much of the North Island tomorrow. Photo / MetService