Thunderstorms have developed over the northern North Island this afternoon and will continue into the evening.

A severe weather watch is currently in place for the region.

For Coromandel Peninsula, eastern Waikato (near the Kaimai/Mamaku ranges), Bay of Plenty, Rotorua and northern parts of Gisborne/Tairawhiti (north of about Tokomaru Bay), a few of the thunderstorms could be severe between 4pm and 10pm this evening (Saturday) with localised downpours of 25-45mm/h, says the MetService.

"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," says the weather organisation in its latest weather update.

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

"The thunderstorm activity will die away late evening."

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."

Severe thunderstorm watch

Area: Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Gisborne
Valid: 6 hours 17 minutes from 3:43pm Sat 6 Jan to 10pm Sat 6 Jan