A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for several regions across the upper North Island today, including Bay of Plenty, Rotorua and Coromandel Peninsula.

MetService forecasters warn hazardous weather conditions are expected to develop this afternoon and evening.

The watch was in place from 2pm to 8pm on Friday, December 26, and covers Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, the Coromandel Peninsula, the Bay of Plenty, and Rotorua.

According to the advisory, a complex trough embedded in a moist, unstable air mass is moving eastwards across the region.

This system was expected to bring a moderate risk of thunderstorms to the affected areas, along with heavy rain through the afternoon and evening, the MetService said.

The top half of the North Island is in for a bit of a wild Boxing Day

Regions Waikato northwards may see thunderstorms, with localised downpours and gusts up to 90 km/h from tomorrow afternoon.

Keep an eye on the forecasts at https://t.co/Yjbq0jgaoz@AklCouncil pic.twitter.com/neuy4xBftm

— MetService NZ (@MetService) December 24, 2025

Forecasters warn there’s also a moderate risk of severe thunderstorms, which could produce intense downpours of 25–40mm per hour.

Rainfall of that magnitude may lead to surface or flash flooding, particularly in low-lying areas such as streams, rivers, and narrow valleys. Slips were also possible.

Authorities advise motorists to take extra care, with hazardous driving conditions likely due to surface flooding and reduced visibility in heavy rain.

Residents across the watch area were encouraged to monitor forecasts and updates throughout the day and be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.