Auckland

Downpours are expected to be severe but more localised but in other regions, as rain hangs about for days to come.

A severe thunderstorm watch is also in place for the Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua and Taupō. There are reasons for this.](https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/weather-news/300204372/rain-or-sunshine-why-do-weather-forecasts-sometimes-tell-different-stories) [Why are we obsessed with the weather?As a nation, New Zealand cannot get enough of what's going on outside.](https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/weather-news/300609779/cheat-sheet-why-is-new-zealand-so-obsessed-with-the-weather) [The 'weather detectives' using clues from the past to study changing climateA man who arrived in the Bay of Islands in 1824 and died in 1864 has been helping scientists to learn about our climate and weather.](https://www.stuff.co.nz/science/99501713/the-weather-detectives-using-clues-from-the-past-to-study-changing-climate) “But we're not expecting you know the record-breaking rainfall intensities that we saw last night.” During Wednesday and Thursday, rain is expected about western parts of the South Island is affected, with a chance of heavy rain for central and southern Westland and northern Fiordland. Another period of heavy rain is possible for Auckland on Sunday, with more thunderstorms possible during the afternoon and evening as another weather system moves down from the north – expected to bring more rain early next week. A heavy rain warning is also in place for Wairarapa including the Tararua District where 70mm to 100mm of rain is expected about the ranges, with localised downpours of 25-40mm of rain from Saturday afternoon. During Tuesday and Wednesday, there is a moderate risk of rainfall reaching warning criteria about western parts of Bay of Plenty and the Tasman Region, which spreads over much of the central North Island on Wednesday. Thunderstorms are also possible. “The main rain band has moved off to the east of Auckland for the time being and there are a number of Orange Warnings and Watches in place around the North Island. “The main rain band returns to Auckland and Northland later on Sunday but rain will come and go for many areas in the North Island,” MetService meteorologist Angus Hines said. Localised downpours of between 25mm-40mm of rain per hour are expected over western and central parts of the North Island and Bay of Plenty and eastern Taupō on Saturday, MetService meteorologist Dan Corrigan said. [“unprecedented” rain in Auckland on Friday](https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300794348/auckland-floods-second-man-found-dead-in-wairau-valley?rm=a) and Saturday, the MetService is warning North Islanders to brace for more heavy rain on Sunday.