A severe weather watch has been issued for Rotorua and the surrounding Bay of Plenty region.
MetService said an active trough, accompanied by a broad area of strong moist northwesterlies, continues to bring heavy rain and thunderstorms to parts of the North Island today.
This trough is followed by a brief ridge of high pressure, but another trough brings further rain and wind to central and southern New Zealand tomorrow.
Heavy rain in the Eastern Bay may reach up to severe weather warning levels but is expected to ease late this afternoon.
This watch will be reviewed by MetService at 9pm today.
