A severe weather watch has been issued for the Bay of Plenty for bursts of heavy rain this afternoon.

The watch covers Rotorua and Taupo, down through to Taihape.

People are being warned to drive to the conditions if they are caught in a heavy downpour this weekend.

The MetService warns there is a chance heavy rain may reach warning amounts tonight and tomorrow morning around the ranges of the Bay of Plenty, east of Whakatane.

'People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts, as parts of this Watch may be upgraded to a Warning and further areas will likely be added. In addition, people should be aware of the potential for hazardous driving conditions in many areas,” says a statement from the weather organisation.

The severe weather watch will be reviewed at 9pm.