A severe weather watch is in place for Rotorua with periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms possible.
Metservice issued the severe weather watch and said there could be periods of heavy rain with possible thunderstorms from this afternoon to late Monday afternoon in the Rotorua area. The rain could possibly reach warning criteria.
The heaviest falls are likely to be on Monday.
The slow-moving low over the Tasman Sea is expected to direct a moist northeasterly flow over New Zealand.
Rainbands embedded within the flow are likely to bring periods of heavy rain with possible thunderstorms to the northern half of the North Island as well as western nelson, southern Westland and Fiordland.