MetService has issued a severe weather watch for parts of the central North Island, with heavy rain and the risk of thunderstorms forecast for today.

The watch applies to northern Taranaki, Waitomo, Taumarunui and Taupō, west of the lake, as an active front moves across the North Island, bringing unsettled conditions to many regions.

It is in place from 9am to 8pm today.

MetService said periods of heavy rain are likely, with thunderstorms also possible.

Rainfall totals may approach warning thresholds in some localised areas, and there is a moderate chance the watch could be upgraded to a heavy rain warning.

Thunderstorm risk nationwide

Across much of the North Island, there is a moderate risk of thunderstorms today, according to the MetService thunderstorm outlook.

These could produce heavy downpours of 10 to 25 millimetres an hour, with isolated bursts potentially lifting rainfall rates to 25 to 40 millimetres an hour.​​​​​​​For the North Island, there is a moderate risk of thunderstorms for much of the North Island as indicated of the chart. Image / MetService

The thunderstorm risk is expected to ease in western areas during the afternoon and evening, although a low risk remains, the weather organisation said. Elsewhere, a low risk of thunderstorms continues through the day and evening.

MetService said there is minimal risk of thunderstorms or significant convection elsewhere during this period.