Heavy rain set to hit Bay of Plenty

Heavy rain in the Bay of Plenty tomorrow will bring welcome relief for farmers hit by an ongoing dry spell, but campers and trampers are being cautioned that rivers and streams may rise rapidly.

The MetService issued today a severe weather warning for the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua, with between 60mm and 90mm of rain expected within a 12-hour period tomorrow.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms were expected from about 3am as an easterly front moved across the region, said MetService forecaster Heath Gullery.

"It looks like it's going to start raining tonight and will probably keep raining throughout the morning and easing off towards the afternoon as the front moves away."

Campers and trampers should be aware that rivers and streams may rise suddenly, he said.

"The warning amounts aren't large, but seeing as it is quite dry there will be considerable runoff, so I think the main thing is just to take care."

The rain would be welcome relief for dairy farmers, who have seen milk production fall after the driest November on record and weeks of almost continuous sun through December.

"I don't know if it's going to break the drought, but it's certainly going to help farmers. They'll be quite pleased to see the rain, I'm sure."

People should keep up to date with the latest forecasts, Mr Gullery said.

- NZPA