An orange rain warning is now in place for the Bay of Plenty, including Rotorua.

In the 24 hours from 12pm today until noon tomorrow, the MetService warned the region could see 100 to 150mm of rain, with the chance of 200 mm in localised areas if downpours occur.

In an update weather alert on its site, MetService said there could be rainfall intensities of 15 to 25mm per hour.

“There is the chance of thunderstorms with downpours of 25 to 40mm per hour.”

The weather organisation said there was a low chance of the warning being upgrading to a red warning.

A map showing the latest heavy rain warnings and watches issued by MetService this morning across much of the North Island. The Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty and Tairāwhiti Gisborne are under heavy rain warnings, with watches elsewhere. Image / MetService

Heavy Rain Watches and Warnings

Orange Warnings for Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty, and Gisborne/Tairawhiti.

Yellow Watches for most of the rest of the North Island. pic.twitter.com/Vdx5bUiRtd

— MetService NZ (@MetService) February 12, 2026

Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously. Preparedness advice.

“Warm and humid conditions over the North Island on Friday are likely to generate thunderstorms, with the potential for localised intense bursts of rain,” MetService meteorologist Alwyn Bakker stated in a statement on Thursday.

In a statement to SunLive, meteorologist Lewis Ferris said current forecast info has the weather generally clearing as Saturday progresses but people may notice cooler air moving in from the south overnight Saturday into Sunday.

“Sunday may bring a little bit more wet weather around the region but at the moment Friday is the day with potential for most impact.”

Western Bay of Plenty District Council said its closely monitoring the forecast and taking a precautionary approach across the district.

“We’re doing our usual pre-rain checks, our transportation team is inspecting key roading sites, and we will have essential contractors, such as arborists, on standby,” Council said in a post on Facebook.

“We know this can be an anxious time for many, especially with recent weather impacts still being felt. Please take care, stay calm, and put your safety first.”

Land stability

With ongoing wet conditions, Council said some areas of the district remain fragile, particularly where there have been previous slips. Heavy rain can cause further movement in unstable ground.

If you live near, are visiting, or travelling through areas prone to slips, please watch out for warning signs, including:

• Small slips, rockfalls, or sinking land at the base of slopes

• New cracks or bulges in the ground, roads, footpaths, or retaining walls

• Doors or windows sticking or no longer fitting properly

• Steps, decks, or verandas tilting away from buildings

• Tilting trees, fences, or retaining walls

If you notice any of these signs, move away from the area if it’s safe to do so.

If you see anything unsafe (such as a slip, serious flooding, or a fallen tree), please contact us on 0800 926 732 or lodge an Antenno report. If you are in immediate danger, call 111.