Orange heavy rain alerts are active for Taranaki and eastern Bay of Plenty.

MetService says heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds will push across much of New Zealand from Thursday, with Taranaki at risk of warning-level falls.

MetService warns thunderstorms could bring gusts up to 100km/h.

Heavy rain watches and warnings have been issued for Taranaki, Horowhenua, Kāpiti, and Wellington from late Thursday evening.

Orange heavy rain alerts are active for Taranaki and eastern Bay of Plenty.

A severe thunderstorm watch is in place for the top half of the North Island.