A severe weather watch remains in force in the Bay of Plenty today.

The MetService is forecasting heavy rain for central and southern parts of New Zealand, along with northeast gales for Auckland.

"A complex low pressure system over the Tasman Sea moves east across central New Zealand today, bringing rain to many areas.

"An associated front brings a period of heavy northerly rain to exposed regions from Buller to East Cape.

"Meanwhile, as the low approaches and crosses central New Zealand, a period of southeasterly rain is forecast for eastern parts of the South Island.

"Also, strengthening north to northeast winds ahead of this low may approach warning criteria in exposed parts of Auckland including Great Barrier Island."

Under overcast skies there are just a few showers around the #Auckland region at the moment, but periods of heavier rain are likely today from later this morning, along with a risk of thunderstorms https://t.co/7k3nmdWQwx ^PL pic.twitter.com/ZyqVEPn4DY

— MetService (@MetService) December 16, 2019

HEAVY RAIN WATCH

Area: Bay of Plenty and the ranges of Gisborne

Valid: 11 hours from 2pm Tuesday to 1am Wednesday

Forecast: A period of heavy northerly rain, with thunderstorms possible. Amounts may approach warning criteria, especially about the ranges of eastern Bay of Plenty and the ranges of Gisborne.

Area: The central high country between Taranaki and Bay of Plenty

Valid: 10 hours from 12pm to 10pm Tuesday

Forecast: A period of heavy northerly rain, with thunderstorms possible. Amounts may approach warning criteria, mainly about higher ground.

Area: North Taranaki

Valid: 9 hours from 9am to 6pm Tuesday

Forecast: Periods of heavy northerly rain with thunderstorms possible, mainly tonight and Tuesday afternoon. Amounts may approach warning criteria.

Note: A warning is in force for the Mountain.

Area: Buller

Valid: 7 hours from 9am to 4pm Tuesday

Forecast: Periods of heavy northerly rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria, especially about the ranges.

Area: Canterbury High Country, Canterbury Plains south of the Rakaia River, and the ranges of Westland

Valid: 20 hours from 9am Tuesday to 5am Wednesday

Forecast: Southeasterly rain, heavy at times, and amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: North Otago

Valid: 7 hours from 9am to 4pm Tuesday

Forecast: Southeasterly rain, heavy at times, and amounts may approach warning criteria.

STRONG WIND WATCH

Area: Auckland including Great Barrier Island

Valid: 6 hours from 11am to 5pm Tuesday

Forecast: Northeast winds may approach warning criteria in exposed places