The MetService is warning of a 'moderate risk” of thunderstorms in the Bay of Plenty this afternoon.

A cold front is moving up the West Coast of the South Island this morning and is expected to reach western parts of the North Island this evening.

The MetService says there a moderate chance of thunderstorms across the Bay of Plenty this afternoon. Photo: File.

'There is a moderate risk of thunderstorms associated with this front from Fiordland to north-west Nelson this morning and afternoon, and even in the west of the North Island.

'Any thunderstorms here could bring heavy rain of up to 20mm/hr and small hail,” says a statement from the weather organisations.

'In the north of the North Island from Northland to the Bay of Plenty, daytime heating along with cooling temperatures aloft will produce showers from early afternoon, and there is a moderate risk of thunderstorms, possibly with heavy rain.”

Rain and showers are forecast for the Bay of Plenty for the next few days, according to the MetService's five day forecast.

Read the latest forecast here.