Severe thunderstorm watches are in place for the west coast of Northland and Auckland from 1pm today

MetService says a warm moist air-mass and daytime heating are likely to generate heavy showers in both regions today.

It forecasts a moderate risk of severe thunderstorms - capable of producing marble sized hail and flooding rainfall.

Meteorologist Michael Pawley, says there could be hourly rain fall of 44 millimetres at times.

He says the risk will also continue into tomorrow.