Northland under heavy rain watch, strong wind watch as conditions set to deteriorate

It's set to be a rainy day for Northland with periods of heavy rain, localised downpours and possible thunderstorms. Photo / Michael Craig

Much of Northland is in for a wet and windy day after a heavy rain watch was issued for the region, lasting until 10pm.

A strong wind watch has also been placed on the region from 4pm until 11pm.

MetService meteorologist John Law said northern and eastern areas in particular would bear the brunt of the rainfall, with peak rates expected to be about 30mm.

“It will be a wet afternoon,” he said.

Gusts of between 80-90km/h were expected for exposed parts of Northland, especially in and around the east coast.

Thunderstorms were particularly likely in the afternoon, Law said.

“I think by the time we get to around 9pm, the worst should hopefully be cleared away from Northland.”

Law said people should keep an eye on MetService updates throughout the day.

It could be a warm night for the region as well, with the weather system bringing warmer air from the north.

The daytime high for Whangārei was looking to be about 20C, while overnight temps were unlikely to drop below 13C.

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.