A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for upper Te Ika a Māui/the North Island, for Saturday afternoon and evening.
MetService Te Ratonga Tirorangi issued the yellow alert on Saturday afternoon for the following areas:
- Northland/Tai Tokerau
- Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau
- Coromandel Peninsula/Waiaua
- Waikato (east)
- Bay of Plenty/Te Moana a Toi
- Rotorua
- Taupō
- Gisborne/Tūranganui
- Taihape (east)
- Hawke's Bay/Te Matau a Māui (inland).
The warning applies from 12pm to at least 9pm on Saturday.
"Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms with localised downpours this afternoon and early evening," MetService said on Saturday afternoon.
Any of the areas mentioned above could see sudden downpours and flash-flooding, especially in low-lying areas near streams, rivers and valleys.
Drivers have been urged to be aware of surface flooding, landslips and poor visibility.
It comes as most parts of Te Waipounamu/the South Island enjoy plenty of sunshine this weekend.
