Anzac Day weather: Heavy rain watch and warning extended for Northland

Rain and thunder are expected from 3pm today as Northland sits under a heavy rain watch and orange warning. Photo / Windy.com

Those preparing to pay their respects on Anzac Day could be in for a soaking as the watch and warning over Northland have both been extended.

Eastern Northland south of Kawakawa and just past Paparoa are under an orange heavy rain warning until 9am on Saturday.

A heavy rain watch has been extended across most of the region south of Kaitāia, and will now last until the same time.

Areas under the warning can expect to see heavy rain developing from this morning, with the chance of downpours of 25 to 40mm per hour, which could be associated with thunderstorms.

MetService says there is a low chance the warning will be upgraded to a red, the highest alert level.

Areas under the heavy rain watch can expect periods of heavy rain and a low risk of localised downpours.

“Accumulations may approach warning criteria in some places.”

It said there was a moderate chance of the watch being upgraded to a warning.

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.