Gales and rain to lash Tauranga

Heavy rain and gale force winds are on the cards for Tauranga as weather conditions turn to custard. Photo/file

Weather experts are warning of gale force winds and potential floods in Tauranga.

A MetService severe weather watch is in place for winds and heavy rain as bad weather sweeps across New Zealand tomorrow. Meteorologist Rob Kerr said the weather would get progressively worse throughout the day, and there was not much chance of clear calm skies for the weekend either.

"During the course of Thursday, there will be mainly northerly winds and rain as a broad low comes across the area. Embedded in the low is a cold front."

Mr Kerr said the low would sweep across the Western Bay of Plenty during the afternoon and evening, bringing with it the worst of the weather.

"We are expecting northeasterly gales up to 100km/h."

Mr Kerr said he expected heavy downpours of rain, including peak intensities of up to 40mm/hr across the Bay of Plenty.

As the weather calmed later in the night, temperatures were expected to cool.

"It's quite a broad system. Once the front goes you're stuck with northeasterly winds for about a day and they will be quite strong," Mr Kerr said.

"I wouldn't expect a dry Friday or calm conditions. It will be still quite blustery. You'll want to tie the trampoline down."

Mr Kerr said rainfall of 40mm/hr could prompt flooding in local waterways and people should take extra care.

"The worst of it could be after the evening rush hour tomorrow."

Looking ahead

Thursday: Heavy rain, gale force winds. High of 16C, low of 11C

Friday: Overcast with showers, winds. High of 15C, low of 10C

Saturday: Showers gradually clearing. High of 16C, low of 6C

Sunday: Fine spells. Westerly winds. High of 15C, low of 6C