A severe weather watch has been issued for the Bay of Plenty today.

A very humid northerly flow brings periods of rain to much of the North Island today and Tuesday morning, says the MetService.

'The heaviest falls are expected to be in the north and west, where thunderstorms are also possible.

'People are advised to remain up to date with forecasts in case parts of this Watch are upgraded to a full Warning, or additional areas are added.”

HEAVY RAIN WATCH

Area: Bay Of Plenty

Valid: 12 hours from 3am to 3pm Tuesday

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain with thunderstorms possible. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria during this time, for instance 50mm falling in 6 hours or less.

Area: Coromandel Peninsula

Valid: 14 hours from 10pm Monday to 12pm Tuesday

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain with thunderstorms possible. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria during this time, for instance 50mm falling in 6 hours or less.

Area: Northland

Valid: 21 hours from 12pm Monday to 9am Tuesday

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria during this time, for instance 50mm falling in 6 hours or less.

Area: Auckland

Valid: 18 hours from 6pm Monday to 12pm Tuesday

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain with thunderstorms possible. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria during this time, for instance 50mm falling in 6 hours or less.

Area: Waikato

Valid: 15 hours from 10pm Monday to 1pm Tuesday

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain with thunderstorms possible. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria during this time, for instance 50mm falling in 6 hours or less.

Area: Waitomo

Valid: 11 hours from 2am to 1pm Tuesday

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria during this time, for instance 50mm falling in a 6 hour period.

Area: Taranaki, especially about and north of the Mountain

Valid: 9 hours from 9am to 6pm Monday

Forecast: A period of heavy rain with thunderstorms possible. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria during this time, for instance

50 to 60mm falling in a 6 to 9 hour period.