A severe thunderstorm watch covers the central North Island tonight.
MetService says very warm afternoon temperatures and a moist unstable airflow have triggered scattered showers and some will develop into thunderstorms.
The watch covers Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Taupo, Hawkes Bay and Taihape.
The main risk of thunderstorms is around Taupo, eastern Taihape and Hawkes Bay, where 25mm-40mm of heavy rain an hour is likely.
MetService said that much rain can cause flash flooding, especially in low lying areas, and make driving dangerous.
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