It might be the official first day of spring but a severe weather watch is in place for the region.
Rain which began yesterday is set to become worse this morning - potentially reaching warning levels by this afternoon.
A wet weekend is also on the cards.
MetService meteorologist Emma Blades said an area of low pressure tracking over the country would bring strong easterlies and heavy rain across the North Island.
"We do have a severe weather watch for Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty, with heavy rain, possibly reaching warning levels."