A heavy rain warning and strong wind watch remain in force for the Bay of Plenty today.

The MetService is predicting a few showers to turn into rain from late morning.

It says heavy falls are expected to develop later on, with northeasterlies becoming strong, possibly turning to gales,

"A moist northerly flow with embedded fronts affects the country today and tomorrow.

"A subtropical low is expected to move south, just west of the upper North Island tomorrow afternoon bringing strong winds and increased rainfall.

"Heavy rain and strong winds are likely for many upper North Island areas."

The MetService says people are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case further Warnings are issued, and if any of the Watches are upgraded.

Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.

Area: Northland
Valid: 8 hours from 8am to 4pm Thursday
Forecast: Expect 60 to 70mm of rain, especially in the east. Peak rates could briefly reach of 20 to 30mm/h during the period.

Area: Coromandel Peninsula
Valid: 12 hours from 9am to 9pm Thursday
Forecast: Expect 90 to 120mm of rain. Peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h.

Area: Bay of Plenty west of Whakatane
Valid: 12 hours from 1pm Thursday to 1am Friday
Forecast: Expect 80 to 110mm of rain. Peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h expected.
Changes: Split western Bay of Plenty on its own as the heavy rain should start and finish much earlier than in the east.

Area: Bay of Plenty, from Whakatane eastwards
Valid: 13 hours from 7pm Thursday to 8am Friday
Forecast: Expect 80 to 110mm of rain, possibly more about the ranges. Peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h expected.

Area: Westland south of Otira
Valid: 26 hours from 9pm Wednesday to 11pm Thursday
Forecast: Expect 150 to 200mm of rain about the ranges, with 70 to 100mm nearer the coast. Peak rates of 20 to 30mm/h expected during Thursday about the ranges.

Strong Wind Warning

Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.

Area: Auckland excluding Great Barrier Island
Valid: 6 hours from 1pm to 7pm Thursday
Forecast: Northeasterly gales gusting 100 km/h in exposed places.
Changes: Upgraded from a Watch to a Warning, covering the lower threshold in northeasterly winds.

Heavy Rain Watch

Area: Auckland including Great Barrier Island
Valid: 9 hours from 10am to 7pm Thursday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria (eg 45 to 55mm in 9h).

Area: Headwaters of the Canterbury Lakes and Rivers
Valid: 13 hours from 10am to 11pm Thursday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria (eg 55 to 65mm in 12h). Note that heavy rain is expected about and west of the divide and a warning is in force for Westland.

Strong Wind Watch

Area: Northland
Valid: 8 hours from 8am to 4pm Thursday
Forecast: Northeasterly winds may approach severe gale at times.

Area: Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato near the Kaimai Ranges, and Bay of Plenty
Valid: 8 hours from 3pm to 11pm Thursday
Forecast: Northeasterly winds may approach severe gale at times.