With heavy rain saturating the Bay of Plenty in the weekend, and more forecast for today, people are being warned to avoid swimming in streams, rivers and beaches for 48 hours after heavy rain.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Neil de Wet would like to remind the public of the standard public health advice.

'After heavy rain there is likely to be contamination from rural and urban run-off,” says Neil.

'To avoid illnesses such as diarrhoea, vomiting, skin infections or ear infections, it's best to avoid swimming in rivers, streams, beaches, lakes and harbour areas for at least 48 hours after heavy rainfall events."

The MetService is forecasting showers for Tauranga today.

The weather organisation says the showers could be possibly thundery with hail.

"Less frequent from afternoon, then easing night. Northeast turns northwest midday."