A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued by the MetService for parts of the North Island.

Arno Dyason from the MetService says that daytime heating and afternoon wind convergences are expected to produce showers and possible thunderstorms around the central parts of the North Island and parts of Northland.

The affected areas include Coromandel Peninsula, Hawkes Bay, Tararua District, Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Taupo, Taihape, Wanganui, Manawatu, and around eastern parts of Northland and the far northern parts of Auckland this afternoon and evening.

There is a moderate risk that some of these thunderstorms may become severe, with localised downpours of 25 - 40 mm per hour possible.

Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips.

Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favourable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. People in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and monitor for possible Severe Thunderstorm Warnings.