Much of the upper North Island is under a heavy rain watch for the start of the week, with thunderstorms and localised downpours possible.
A trough is expected to bring areas of heavy rain to the upper North on Monday, while a slow-moving front approaches the West Coast of the South Island this evening into Monday.
MetService has issued a heavy rain watch for much of the upper North Island, including Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, and the Coromandel Peninsula from 3am on Monday until 6pm.
The Bay of Plenty and Rotorua are also under a heavy rain watch from 8am until 6pm.
“Periods of heavy rain, with thunderstorms and localised downpours possible. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria,” the forecaster said.
There is high uncertainty where the largest accumulations will be, and warning amounts may be exceeded in localised areas, it added.
“There is a moderate chance of upgrading to a warning.”
The Grey District and the Paparoa Range are also under a heavy rain watch from 6pm tonight through until 8am tomorrow morning, MetService said.
“Heavy rain, with possible thunderstorms. Amounts may approach warning criteria.”
