A severe thunderstorm watch is in place again for the Bay of Plenty.

The MetService issued the watch this morning saying humid conditions are likely to lead to showers and thunderstorms developing about the northeast of the North Island late morning or this afternoon.

'One or two of these thunderstorms may become severe after 1pm about eastern areas of Bay of Plenty and Taupo and inland areas of Gisborne and northern Hawke's Bay.

'Severe Thunderstorms could produce localised downpours with intensities of 25 to 40mm per hour. These thunderstorms should subside this evening,” says the weather organisation.

'Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips.

'MetService will continue to monitor the situation closely for severe thunderstorm development and will issue further updates.”

This watch affects people in the following weather forecast districts:

Bay of Plenty

Taupo

Gisborne

Hawke's Bay