MetService orange rain warning for Rotorua, Tauranga and Bay of Plenty

Wet weather is making for a damp Monday in many parts of the country. Photo / File

A strong burst of heavy rain is expected to sweep across the region today, with MetService issuing an orange rain warning for areas about and east of Rotorua from 9am today to 2am tomorrow.

The warning is also in place for Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty.

Forecasters are predicting 80–120mm of rainfall, with peak intensities of 15–25mm/h from this afternoon.

Conditions may worsen east of Whakatāne this evening, where rainfall rates could rise to 25–40mm/h, accompanied by possible thunderstorms.

While the event is significant, the likelihood of an upgrade to a red warning remains minimal, MetService said in its latest weather update.

Expected Impacts

Local authorities warn that streams and rivers may rise rapidly, increasing the risk of:

Surface flooding

Slips and debris flows

Hazardous or reduced‑visibility driving conditions

Disruptions on rural and coastal roads

What residents should do

Emergency managers advise residents to take practical steps ahead of the downpour:

Clear drains and gutters to reduce flood risk.

Avoid low‑lying and flood‑prone areas.

Drive with extra caution, particularly from late afternoon when rain is expected to intensify.

Heavy rain is likely to be highly localised at times, and conditions may change quickly throughout the evening.