Most regions are in for rain at some point today as a big rain maker in the Tasman Sea pushes a front over the country.

Rain is already falling in some northern and western areas although the rain is light at this stage.

The rain will gradually become heavier for most places by afternoon or evening – with a low (30%) risk of a few isolated thunderstorms in the Top Half of the North Island.

Here are the latest Metservice rain warnings as of 8:54am, Weds

Bay Of Plenty

Heavy Rain Warning, Areas Affected: Bay of Plenty Rain is expected to become widespread this morning, then heavier this afternoon and continue into Thursday. In the 24 hours from 9am Wednesday until 9am Thursday, 100 to 130mm of rain is expected about the Bay of Plenty ranges. During the same period, about 40 to 70mm is possible nearer the coast. The heaviest rain is likely tonight or early Thursday morning when intensities may reach 20 to 25mm per hour.

Rotorua

Heavy Rain Warning, Areas Affected: Bay of Plenty Rain is expected to become widespread this morning, then heavier this afternoon and continue into Thursday. In the 24 hours from 9am Wednesday until 9am Thursday, 100 to 130mm of rain is expected about the Bay of Plenty ranges. During the same period, about 40 to 70mm is possible nearer the coast. The heaviest rain is likely tonight or early Thursday morning when intensities may reach 20 to 25mm per hour.

Taupo

Heavy Rain Warning, Areas Affected: Ranges of Taupo and the Tongariro National Park Rain is expected to develop this morning and become heavier by evening. In the 21 hours from 9am Wednesday to 6am Thursday, 90 to 110mm of rain is possible about the ranges and Central Plateau mountains. The heaviest falls of rain are expected Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning, when intensities could reach 15 to 20mm per hour.

Taihape

Heavy Rain Warning, Areas Affected: Ranges of Taupo and the Tongariro National Park Rain is expected to develop this morning and become heavier by evening. In the 21 hours from 9am Wednesday to 6am Thursday, 90 to 110mm of rain is possible about the ranges and Central Plateau mountains. The heaviest falls of rain are expected Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning, when intensities could reach 15 to 20mm per hour.