Got plans this afternoon that rely on dry skies.

MetService has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for six hours from 2pm to 8pm today, as a complex trough in a moist, unstable air mass moves east across the upper North Island, with a moderate risk of thunderstorms for Northland, Auckland.

That puts the Hibiscus Coast in the firing line for intense bursts of rain and possible thunderstorms this afternoon and evening, with localised downpours bringing hourly rainfall of about 25 to 40mm.

Driving conditions may deteriorate quickly, with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.

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