MetService has issued a Severe Weather Watch on Sunday morning for parts of New Zealand including Bay of Plenty and Coromandel.

Periods of heavy rain are expected for the west of the South Island, also Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty, says a MetService spokesperson.

"A moist north to northwest flow with embedded fronts brings periods of rain to much of the country this week.

"A front over Coromandel Peninsula today moves slowly over Bay of Plenty during Tuesday and early Wednesday morning, while a series of fronts affect the South Island this week."

MetService advises that the heaviest rain is likely to affect Fiordland, Westland, Buller, northwest Tasman, also Coromandel Peninsula and parts of Bay of Plenty. Heavy Rain Watches
are in force for these areas.

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

A heavy rain watch has been issued by MetService for Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty west of Te Puke. This watch is valid for nine hours from 9am to 6pm on Monday. There are periods of heavy rain expected and rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Bay of Plenty east of Kawerau
Valid: 12 hours from 3:00 pm Tuesday to 3:00 am Wednesday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Tasman west of Motueka and Buller
Valid: 7 hours from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm Tuesday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, with thunderstorms possible.Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Note, further periods of heavy rain are possible late Wednesday and Thursday.

Area: Westland south of Otira
Valid: 50 hours from 8:00 am Tuesday to 10:00 am Thursday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain with thunderstorms possible. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria, especially about the ranges.

Note, further periods of heavy rain are possible on Friday and early Saturday.

Area: Fiordland
Valid: 12 hours from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm Tuesday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, with thunderstorms possible.Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.