A severe weather warning has been issued for eastern parts of Bay of Plenty as bursts of heavy rain and thunderstorms hit the region.

According to MetService, heavy falls up to 60 to 80mm of rain are expected to hit Eastern Bay from 7pm tonight.

Photo: MetService.

MetService predicts a low and associated front moving east over the Tasman Sea is expected to cross New Zealand during Sunday.

A strong moist northerly flow precedes this front, bringing a period of rain to western and northern parts of both islands during the day.

The heaviest falls are expected about the Westland Ranges, including parts of Fiordland north of Milford Sound, Northwest Nelson Ranges, the Canterbury Headwaters and eastern parts of Bay of Plenty and northern Gisborne.

A total of 60 to 80mm is expected to hit these areas across a six to eight hour period, but 90 to 110mm about higher parts of the Alps.

If the weather reaches to thunderstorms, MetService is forecasting peak intensities to be between 15 to 20mm per hour.

People in these areas, especially trampers, are advised that rivers may rise quickly and slips are possible in vulnerable areas.

A 23 degrees high is forecast for Tauranga today with an overnight low of 13 degrees.