UPDATE 8.32pm: The severe thunderstorm watch issued for the Bay of Plenty this evening has been lifted.

The Tauranga forecast, along with the rest of the Bay of Plenty, currently has no warnings or weather watches in place.

Earlier 5.52pm: MetService is issuing a severe thunderstorm watch for the Bay of Plenty.

The watch is in place from 5.13pm until 10pm tonight.

This comes after slow moving thunderstorms developed in Bay of Plenty this afternoon. Some of these storms are strong and capable of producing localised downpours, 25 to 40 mm per hour.

"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," says a MetService spokesperson.

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

"A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favourable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. People in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and monitor for possible Severe Thunderstorm Warnings."

For the latest Tauranga forecast, visit the MetService website.