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

The MetService is predicting heavy rain and gale southeasterlies for parts of the North Island and Marlborough Sounds.

"A low pressure system is expected to approach the North Island from the north Tasman Sea on Wednesday," says a statement from the weather organisation.

"The low should then move southeast across the Island during Thursday and Friday, bringing periods of heavy rain and strong winds to parts of the North Island, and also Marlborough Sounds.

"People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case parts of the Watches are upgraded to Orange Warnings, or further areas are added."

HEAVY RAIN WATCH

Area: Northland
Valid: 10 hours from 10pm Wednesday to 8am Thursday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.
Note, another period of rain and possible thunderstorms expected on Thursday afternoon and evening.

Area: Auckland, Great Barrier Island
Valid: 8 hours from 2am to 10am Thursday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.
Note, another period of rain with possible thunderstorms on Thursday afternoon and evening.

Area: Coromandel Peninsula
Valid: 9 hours from 3am to 12pm Thursday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.
Note, another period of rain expected on Thursday night.

Area: Bay of Plenty away from the eastern ranges.
Valid: 10 hours from 5am to 3pm Thursday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.
Note, another period of rain possible on Thursday night.

Area: Hawke's Bay
Valid: 26 hours from 9am Thursday to 11am Friday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Tararua District and Wairarapa
Valid: 14 hours from 11am Thursday to 1am Friday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria, mainly about the ranges.

STRONG WIND WATCH

Area: Taranaki
Valid: 19 hours from 2pm Thursday to 9am Friday
Forecast: Southeast winds may approach severe gale in exposed places at times.

Area: Horowhenua Kapiti Coast
Valid: 12 hours from 4pm Thursday to 4am Friday
Forecast: Southeast winds may approach severe gale in exposed places at times.

Area: The Marlborough Sounds
Valid: 12 hours from 1pm Thursday to 1am Friday
Forecast: Southeast winds may approach severe gale in exposed places at times.