UPDATED 11:22am — A narrow but intense band of rain continues to push across parts of Bay of Plenty, including Tauranga, and – at times – extending westwards into Waikato bringing heavy showers.

Downpours have been so heavy overnight they’ve caused slips and highway closures, including State Highway 29 over the Kaimai Ranges.

The rain is extending across Waikato too, bringing a wet morning to Fieldays near Hamilton but conditons are now improving with longer dry spells in the forecast.  Friday and Saturday look much drier for Fieldays at Mystery Creek, just near Hamilton International Airport.

Reports of intense thunderstorms have also come in from Te Aroha in the eastern Waikato early this morning.

The narrow band of rain is surrounded by mostly dry weather – meaning Aucklanders have a much sunnier and calmer day, but a few showers are possible later on today – but only a 30-40% chance.

Meanwhile rain continues to fall along the eastern North Island, but the heaviest rain this morning is falling in Bay of Plenty where it may well set in for the afternoon.

– WeatherWatch.co.nz