There is a risk of severe thunderstorms developing about central parts of the North Island this afternoon and evening.

The MetService warns that thunderstorms could develop from the Kaimai Range and the ranges of Bay of Plenty and Gisborne down through the central North Island high country to the Tararua Range, producing localised downpours of 25 to 40mm per hour or possibly more, and hail possibly larger than 20mm.

'Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips.

'Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain,” says the weather organisation.

'Large hail can cause significant damage to crops, orchards, vines, glasshouses and vehicles, as well as make driving conditions hazardous.”

Note: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favourable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.

'People in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and monitor for possible Severe Thunderstorm Warnings.”

Only NZ made showers and thunderstorms today, nothing imported from the Tasman Sea! Could be significant too: Severe Thunderstorm Watch in place https://t.co/GZIq9Jlbrw + Thuderstorm Outlook https://t.co/BZWb7ZPiRd ^RK pic.twitter.com/elFjRUSSde

— MetService (@MetService) December 12, 2018

This watch affects people in the following weather forecast districts:

Waikato

Waitomo

Taumarunui

Bay of Plenty

Rotorua

Taupo

Gisborne

Hawke's Bay

Taihape

Wanganui

Manawatu

Tararua

Kapiti-Horowhenua

Wairarapa

Wellington