Kiwis in the North Island are in for a wet start to the week as a subtropical low brings heavy rain and thunderstorms from Monday afternoon.
Seven regions have been issued with alerts, including Auckland, Hawke's Bay and the Coromandel Peninsula.
In a post to X, NIWA said low pressure will bring rain for most of the North Island through to at least Tuesday.
"For some, the rain will be quite heavy, especially over the eastern half of the island," the post read.
NIWA said despite the rain being "much needed", too much of it over a short period could result in localised flooding.
MetService has issued a number of severe weather watches and a warning for Hawke's Bay residents.
"A subtropical low and associated front is forecast to bring rain to northern and eastern parts of the North Island from today. There is still some uncertainty about the development of this low."
"Please stay up to date with the forecasts, as further changes are likely to be made," MetService said.
An orange heavy rain warning is in place for Hawke's Bay from 6am tomorrow to 6pm Wednesday. MetService said streams and rivers could rise, with the possibility of slips and surface flooding.
Drivers have also been warned to take extra caution on the roads.
"Expect 120 to 160 mm of rain, the biggest accumulation likely south of SH5. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h expected Tuesday morning and afternoon. Please note that further rain is expected through Thursday and Friday, and this warning may be extended."
Heavy rain watches are in place for Northland from midday today to 1am on Wednesday, Auckland including Great Barrier Island from 9pm tonight to 6am tomorrow, Coromandel Peninsula from 10pm tonight to 9am tomorrow and Bay of Plenty west of Kawerau and Rotorua from midnight tonight to midday tomorrow.
From 4am on Tuesday to 6pm Wednesday, heavy rain watches are in place for Tairāwhiti / Gisborne, and from midday Tuesday to 9am Wednesday for the Tararua District.
Thunderstorms are also expected in some places, MetService said.
MetService's Severe Weather Warnings and Watches
- Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Impact: Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.
Area: Hawke's Bay
Period: 36hrs from 6am Tue, 21 May - 6pm Wed, 22 May
Forecast: Expect 120 to 160 mm of rain, the biggest accumulation likely south of SH5. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h expected Tuesday morning and afternoon. Please note, that further rain is expected through Thursday and Friday, and this warning may be extended.
- Heavy Rain Watch
Area: Northland
Period: 13hrs from noon Mon, 20 May - 1am Tue, 21 May
Forecast: A period of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria. Thunderstorms are possible from evening.
Area: Auckland, including Great Barrier Island
Period: 9hrs from 9pm Mon, 20 May - 6am Tue, 21 May
Forecast: A period of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria. Thunderstorms possible this evening, mainly about the Hauraki Gulf.
Area: Coromandel Peninsula
Period: 11hrs from 10pm Mon, 20 May - 9am Tue, 21 May
Forecast: A period of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria. Thunderstorms possible.
Area: Bay of Plenty west of Kawerau, and Rotorua
Period: 12hrs from midnight Mon, 20 May - noon Tue, 21 May
Forecast: A period of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria. Thunderstorms possible.
Area: Tairawhiti/Gisborne
Period: 38hrs from 4am Tue, 21 May - 6pm Wed, 22 May
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria. Thunderstorms possible during Tuesday afternoon.
Area: Wairarapa and Tararua District
Period: 21hrs from noon Tue, 21 May - 9am Wed, 22 May
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria.
