A combination of cold temperatures and afternoon heat could produce showers and a moderate risk of thunderstorms across the Bay of Plenty this evening.

The MetService warns there is a chance of thunderstorms in the ranges between Gisborne and Bay.

Bay residents are being warned that there could be some thunderstorms tonight. Photo: File.

'A low risk area surrounds this, covering a larger part of Bay of Plenty and the ranges,” says the weather organisation.

'Any thunderstorms that result are expected to be slow-moving and produce heavy rain in the range of 10-to-25mm per hour with small hail.”

These thunderstorms could be accompanied by localised heavy rain of 10-20mm/hr, and hail in the 5-15mm diameter range.

'As the thunderstorms are likely to be slow-moving, it's possible there could be significant hail accumulation in some places, which could cause damage to crops and make driving conditions hazardous,” they add.