For some people the news is going from bad to worse today as the government forecaster issues more rain warnings, including for rain soaked Bay of Plenty, however the good news is that it’s unlikely to affect Auckland.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says another active band of heavy rain and showers, with some thunderstorms, is moving down from the north, although it’s likely to be to the east of Northland and Auckland and this time taking aim for eastern Bay of Plenty and East Cape.

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Head weather analyst Philip Duncan says there is only a “slim” chance of a tornado and people should be more concerned about slips and localised flash flooding (a river that rapidly floods from a torrential downpour).

And in Auckland this morning residents have woken to a stunning morning with early mist patches and mostly clear blue skies, a big contrast to yesterday’s thick low cloud and heavy showers.

Its incredibly warm for May too with the temperature at 18 degrees at 8:45am and steadily climbing. 

WeatherWatch.co.nz predicts a balmy May high of 23 or 24 degrees today with fairly sunny conditions.

See below for Metservice warnings and Thunderstorm outlook

Bay Of Plenty

Heavy Rain Warning, Areas Affected: Ranges of Bay of Plenty east of Opotiki, ranges of Gisborne north of Tokomaru Bay Rain is expected to become heavy this afternoon. In the 18 hours from noon Wednesday till 6am Thursday, expect 70 to 100mm. The heaviest falls are likely to occur this afternoon and evening, with peak intensities of 15-25mm/hr in possibly thundery rain.

Rotorua

Heavy Rain Warning, Areas Affected: Ranges of Bay of Plenty east of Opotiki, ranges of Gisborne north of Tokomaru Bay Rain is expected to become heavy this afternoon. In the 18 hours from noon Wednesday till 6am Thursday, expect 70 to 100mm. The heaviest falls are likely to occur this afternoon and evening, with peak intensities of 15-25mm/hr in possibly thundery rain.

Gisborne

Heavy Rain Warning, Areas Affected: Ranges of Bay of Plenty east of Opotiki, ranges of Gisborne north of Tokomaru Bay Rain is expected to become heavy this afternoon. In the 18 hours from noon Wednesday till 6am Thursday, expect 70 to 100mm. The heaviest falls are likely to occur this afternoon and evening, with peak intensities of 15-25mm/hr in possibly thundery rain.

Nelson

Heavy Rain Warning, Areas Affected: Ranges of northwest Nelson Heavy rain continues today. In the 21 hours from 9am Wednesday till 6am Thursday, expect a further 60 to 90mm. Peak intensities of 15-25mm/hr are likely Wednesday afternoon, especially with any thunderstorms.

Nelson Lakes

Heavy Rain Warning, Areas Affected: Ranges of northwest Nelson Heavy rain continues today. In the 21 hours from 9am Wednesday till 6am Thursday, expect a further 60 to 90mm. Peak intensities of 15-25mm/hr are likely Wednesday afternoon, especially with any thunderstorms.

Westland

Heavy Rain Warning, Areas Affected: Westland Rain with heavy falls is likely today and tonight. In the 18 hours from 9am Wednesday till 3 am Thursday, expect 100 to 130mm, mainly about the ranges. The heaviest falls are likely to occur this afternoon, when intensities could reach 20-30mm/hr.

Metservice Thunderstorm Outlook for today