This morning's sunrise may have given some people the false hope that today is going to be a fine day.

But a severe weather watch issued by the MetService will but a damper on those hopes.

A front over the South Island is expected to move slowly eastwards over the North Island tonight and Friday before stalling about East Cape Friday afternoon.

"This front is expected to deliver a prolonged period of rain to eastern parts of Bay of Plenty and about northern Gisborne from Friday afternoon through the weekend, which could be heavy at times.

"People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts as this Watch is likely to be upgraded to a warning."

Before the front moves onto the region, SunLive photographer Cameron Avery snapped some stunning photos of the first Friday sunrise of the month at Mount Main Beach.

Check out the photos below:

Heavy Rain Watch

Area: Bay Of Plenty east of Opotiki, and Gisborne north of Tolaga Bay
Valid: 58 hours from 1pm Friday to 11pm Sunday
Forecast: Expect periods of heavy rain from Friday afternoon through to Sunday night, possibly into Monday morning. Rainfall amounts are likely to approach warning criteria.