MetService has issued a severe weather watch for parts of New Zealand.

'Severe gales are possible for parts of central and southern New Zealand, and brief heavy rain for eastern Bay of Plenty,” says a MetService spokesperson.

'A front moves across the North Island today bringing a brief period of heavy rain to the ranges of eastern Bay of Plenty, and followed by strong northwesterly winds in exposed parts of Wairarapa and Canterbury High Country.

'Meanwhile, a trough moves over the far south of the South Island this morning and afternoon, with southwest winds possibly reaching severe gale about exposed coastal areas.”

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

Heavy rain watch
Area: The eastern ranges of Bay of Plenty
Valid: 7 hours from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm Sunday
Forecast: Periods of rain, possibly heavy. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Strong wind watch
Area: Wairarapa about and north of Martinborough, and the Tararua
District
Valid: 8 hours from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm Sunday
Forecast: Northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.

Area: Canterbury High Country
Valid: 6 hours from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm Sunday
Forecast: Northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.

Area: North Otago, Dunedin and Clutha
Valid: 8 hours from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm Sunday
Forecast: Southwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places, especially near the coast.

Area: Southland near the coast, including Stewart Island
Valid: 6 hours from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Sunday
Forecast: Southwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.

Note, another period of stronger westerly winds is expected on Monday, mostly about Stewart Island.

Watches no longer in force:
Heavy rain watch lifted for: Northland north of Whangarei: Rain has
eased and the Watch is lifted.

Heavy rain watch lifted for: North Taranaki, Taumarunui and Waitomo:
Rain has eased and the Watch is lifted.