A severe weather watch for heavy rain is in force for the Bay of Plenty, Coromandel, Waikato, along with other regions around the North Island.

The MetService is forecasting heavy rain and possible severe gales for parts of central and northern New Zealand.

"A deepening low lies slow moving over the Tasman Sea directing a moist north to northeast flow over central and northern New Zealand.

"An associated front is forecast to move across central and northern areas from the west tonight and then move away to the east later on Thursday.

"This front is preceded by a period of heavy rain and strong to gale force northeast winds, with Watches and Warnings in force for many parts of central and northern New Zealand."

People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case any changes are made, or further areas are added.

Image: MetService.

HEAVY RAIN WATCH

Area: Auckland including Great Barrier Island
Valid: 7 hours from 2am to 9am Thursday
Forecast: A period of heavy rain. Localised downpours of 25 to 40mm/h possible. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Coromandel Peninsula
Valid: 8 hours from 3am to 11am Thursday
Forecast: A period of heavy rain. Localised downpours of 25 to 40mm/h possible. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Waikato
Valid: 7 hours from 4am to 11am Thursday
Forecast: A period of heavy rain possible. Rainfall amounts may approach short-duration warning criteria.

Area: Bay Of Plenty excluding the eastern ranges
Valid: 9 hours from 6am to 3pm Thursday
Forecast: A period of heavy rain. Localised downpours of 25 to 40mm/h possible. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Gisborne north of Ruatoria
Valid: 8 hours from 11am to 7pm Thursday
Forecast: A period heavy rain. Localised downpours of 25 to 40mm/h possible. Rainfall amounts may approach short-duration warning criteria.

Area: The Richmond and Bryant Ranges including the Rai Valley, also northern parts of the Marlborough Sounds
Valid: 27 hours from 10am Wednesday to 1pm Thursday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

STRONG WIND WATCH

Area: Northland and Auckland including Great Barrier Island
Valid: 12 hours from 9pm Wednesday to 9am Thursday
Forecast: Northeast winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.

Area: Coastal Gisborne, also Mahia Peninsula and the Wharerata Range
Valid: 6 hours from 11am to 5pm Thursday
Forecast: Northeast winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.

Area: Coastal Bay Of Plenty east of Te Puke
Valid: 4 hours from 10am to 2pm Thursday
Forecast: Northeast winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.

Area: Taranaki, Taihape and northern parts of Whanganui
Valid: 12 hours from 10pm Wednesday to 10am Thursday
Forecast: North to northeast winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.