Here’s the latest on the severe weather threat today and early this week.

The Severe Thunderstorm Warning that had affected much of Waikato was due to expire at 2:15pm.  A warning further east may be needed if the storm remains above severe limits.  A new Severe Thunderstorm Warning is now in effect east of the old warning, including the Tokoroa area until about 3:00pm. 

Further to the west, images from Lightning Tracker indicate a new band thunderstorms developing over the Tasman Sea and approaching the western North Island.

Government forecaster MetService is maintaining their Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Waikato, Waitomo and Taumarunui on the North Island and Marlborough, Canterbury and Otago on the South Island.  These watches are in effect through this evening.

In addition, a new Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for Northland and Auckland, effective through this evening.

Remember, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch means that thunderstorms producing large hail, damaging winds and heavy rain are possible in, and close to, the watch area.  It does not mean they are occurring or that they are imminent.

In addition to the severe weather, heavy rain and flooding is also expected.  Here are the latest Heavy Rain Warnings from MetService:

HEAVY RAIN WARNING

AREA/S AFFECTED

Bay of Plenty

FORECAST

Further heavy rain is expected at times during today. In the 15 hours from 9am Sunday, another 60 to 90mm could accumulate on top of the rain whcih has fallen. Peak rainfall rates of 15-25mm/hr are possible with thunderstorms.

AREA/S AFFECTED

Ranges of Nelson

FORECAST

Bursts of heavy rain in a north to northeast flow are expected to continue until this afternoon. From 9am to 3pm Sunday, expect a further 50 to 70mm to accumulate on top of what has already fallen. Rainfall intensities of around 15mm per hour, but 25mm/hr possible in any thunderstorms.

Note, another brief burst of heavy rain is likely Monday morning.

FREEZING LEVEL: 2600 metres.

AREA/S AFFECTED

The Marlborough Sounds, and the eastern ranges from Blenheim to Kaikoura

FORECAST

Bursts of heavy rain are expected to continue until this afternoon. From 9am to 5pm Sunday, expect a further 40 to 60mm to accumulate on top of what has already fallen. Rainfall intensities of around 15mm per hour, but 25mm/hr possible in any thunderstorms.

Note, another brief burst of heavy rain is likely late Monday morning.

FREEZING LEVEL: 2400 metres.

AREA/S AFFECTED

Taranaki

FORECAST

Heavy rain is expected at times until this afternoon. In the 6 hours from 9am Sunday, a further 50-80mm is likely to accumulate on the Mountain, while 30- 50mm is possible in localised areas lower down, especially in northern parts of Taranaki. Peak rainfall rates of 25-40mm/hr are possible with thunderstorms

AREA/S AFFECTED

Eastern Otago north of Dunedin

FORECAST

In the 12 hours from midday Sunday, 40mm could accumulate in eastern areas of Otago north of Dunedin. Rainfall rates of 10mm/hr possible.

The possibility for additional heavy rain exists early this week, including areas that were already deluged this weekend.

Tomorrow, the Bay of Plenty Tomorrow, the western and upper South Island could see some heavy rain.  The greatest risk is across the eastern Bay of Plenty and North Gisborne.  Heavy rain also possible about the central and western North Island, from Auckland to Taranaki.

Heavy rain is also a threat for the upper and western South Island tomorrow.  The greatest risk will be at the very top of the Island.

-WeatherWatch.co.nz