MetService is issuing a severe thunderstorm and severe weather watch for the Coromandel Peninsula and far western Bay of Plenty.

Heavy rain and localised downpours are possible for central and southern Coromandel Peninsula and far western Bay of Plenty.

The severe thunderstorm watch is in place for the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty from 2am Friday, April 14 to 11am the same day.

The heavy rain watch is in place for the Coromandel Peninsula about and south of Hikuai and Bay of Plenty north of Katikati from 2am Friday April 14 to 11am.

"Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria," says a MetService spokesperson.

"A trough is expected to become slow moving over central and southern parts of Coromandel Peninsula early Friday morning, bringing periods of rain and possible thunderstorms and localised downpours.

"A Watch for Heavy Rain is now in force for Coromandel Peninsula about and south of Hikuai and Bay of Plenty north of Katikati. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is also in place for the same area for thunderstorms and localised downpours.

"Please keep up to date with the latest forecasts

"Should severe weather approach or if you feel threatened, take shelter immediately.

Note: 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.

MetService Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Area: Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty
Valid: 9 hours from 2:00am Fri 14 Apr to 11:00am Fri 14 Apr

Heavy Rain Watch
Area: Coromandel Peninsula about and south of Hikuai and Bay of Plenty north of Katikati
Valid: 9 hours from 2:00am Fri 14 Apr to 11:00am Fri 14 Apr
Forecast: "Periods of heavy rain. Thunderstorms and localised downpours possible, with rainfall rates of 25 to 40mm/h or possibly more. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria."

For the latest Tauranga forecast, visit the MetService website.