Heavy rain watch for Northland as warm temperatures and humidity a perfect storm

Heavy rain is on the way to Northland with a joint watch in place including Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato and Waitomo. Photo / NZME

Northland has been placed under a heavy rain watch from noon tomorrow, following stifling overnight temperatures.

A perfect storm of warmth and moisture is bringing the potential for heavy thunderstorms to the region, which will remain under a watch from noon Friday until 10pm.

The watch covers Northland, Auckland (including Aotea Great Barrier Island), Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato and Waitomo.

MetService meteorologist John Law said warm temperatures and humidity were “all the ingredients you need” for the chance of heavy thunderstorms.

Overnight, the minimum temperatures barely dipped past 17 degrees in the region, sitting at 20.4C in Whangārei, Kaitāia 18.8C and at 17.5C in Kerikeri.

Localised downpours of 25 to 40mm per hour are possible during peak periods from tomorrow afternoon.

Civil Defence Northland encouraged people to take care while out and about, with surface flooding, landslides and difficult driving conditions possible.

“Streams and rivers can rise rapidly, so avoid low lying areas and stay cautious on the roads,” it said.

“If you’re able to, today is a good time to check and clear drains and gutters before the rain sets in.”

Law said the weather was “definitely something to watch out for”.

Although heavier showers were expected to hit the western side of Northland, those in the east who have been hard hit during recent weather should still take caution, he said.

“I think it’s worth bearing those conditions in mind.”

Overnight temperatures on Thursday and Wednesday were expected to remain around 20C across the north.

Law encouraged people to keep an eye on the forecast, considering the potential for upgrades.

Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.