While adults across the Bay lament the rain, some children are making the most of it.
In Papamoa yesterday, they could be seen sliding down a muddy hill and skimming across a puddle with big grins on their faces.
They were enjoying a respite between downpours that was not expected to last for long, as a severe weather watch was issued for the Bay of Plenty.
MetService predicted that from 1pm Friday to 10am today,a further 100 to 140mm of rain could fall.
Peak falls of up to 25mm an hour were expected during possible thunderstorms last night.