The Bay of Plenty remains on thunderstorm watch today.

A severe thunderstorm watch was issued for the region on Monday, and the MetService has issued a statement continuing it through to today.

"Thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon and there is a risk that a few of them will becoming severe, producing localised downpours with intensities of 25 to 40 mm per hour. There may also be hail.

"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.

"Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.

"The thunderstorms should ease this evening."

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

Image: MetService.

This watch affects people in the following weather forecast districts:

Bay of Plenty

Taupo

Gisborne

Hawke's Bay

Taihape