An orange heavy rain warning is in force for the Bay of Plenty.

In the 20 hours from 1pm Wednesday to 9am Thursday, MetService warns that 180mm to 240mm of rain is expected to fall. Peak rates of 25mm to 35mm/h are also expected.

MetService said there was a moderate chance of upgrading to a red warning.

Rain continuing to fall in the North

There has been steady rain in Northland overnight, with our radar seeing peaks of around 80mm of rain in the last 12 hours, and broader areas on the east coast experiencing 40-60mm of rain. pic.twitter.com/DHOHD72Sp3

— MetService NZ (@MetService) January 19, 2026

MetService said periods of heavy rain and possible localised downpours were forecast in the Far North today, with more widespread heavy rain later tomorrow.

“A strong and humid easterly flow is forecast to bring heavy rain to northern areas of the North Island today, with thunderstorms and localised downpours possible.

“Bands of heavy rain spread south onto New Zealand later tomorrow. Warning amounts of rain are possible for many areas.”

MetService expected the rain to ease Thursday morning.