Heavy rain is being forecast for parts of the North Island and lower South Island.

The MetService has issued heavyh rain watch for the Bay of Plenty today.

"A front, currently slow-moving over central North Island, is forecast to move slowly northeast during today (Thursday) and early Friday, bringing periods of heavy rain with it.

"Meanwhile, a couple of troughs are expected to move across the lower South Island, bringing bursts of heavy rain into Fiordland.

"A heavy rain warning is in force for Waitomo, Taumarunui, the far west of Taupo, Tongariro National Park, and also Fiordland.

"Meanwhile, a heavy rain watch is in force for Taranaki north of the mountain, Waikato south of Hamilton and the ranges of eastern Bay of Plenty."

The MetService is advising people to stay up to date with the latest forecasts in case any changes are made.

HEAVY RAIN WATCH

Area: Waikato south of Hamilton
Valid: 11 hours from 7am to 6pm Thursday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall accumulations may approach warning criteria.

Area: The eastern ranges Bay Of Plenty
Valid: 12 hours from 1pm Thursday to 1am Friday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall accumulations may approach warning criteria.

Area: North Taranaki
Valid: 11 hours from 7am to 6pm Thursday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall accumulations may approach warning criteria.

Area: Fiordland north of Breaksea Sound
Valid: 18 hours from 7am Thursday to 1am Friday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall accumulations may approach
warning criteria.