MetService has issued a severe weather watch with heavy rain possible for parts of the upper North Island.

A deep low that delivered severe weather to many parts of the country on Tuesday now lies east of the South Island and is moving away to the southeast. Rain and gales associated with this system are easing.

Another low is forecast to approach northern New Zealand on Thursday then track southeast across the upper North Island into Friday.

"There is a lot of uncertainty with regards to the speed and track of this low, but it could bring a period of heavy rain to parts of the upper North Island already impacted by heavy rainfall received on Tuesday," says a MetService spokesperson.

"And Heavy Rain Watches are now in force for eastern and northern parts of the North Island from Gisborne through to Northland."

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

A heavy rain watch is in place for the following four regions:

Northland
Valid: 12 hours from 12:00 pm Thursday to 12:00 am Friday Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Auckland including Great Barrier Island, and Coromandel Peninsula
Valid: 11 hours from 3:00 pm Thursday to 2:00 am Friday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Bay of Plenty
Valid: 14 hours from 6:00 pm Thursday to 8:00 am Friday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Gisborne
Valid: 12 hours from 8:00 pm Thursday to 8:00 am Friday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Watches no longer in force:

Heavy rain watch lifted for: Coastal parts of both Clutha and Dunedin: Rain is easing, and the Watch has been lifted.

Strong wind watch lifted for: Hawke's Bay about and south of Hastings and Wairarapa including the Tararua District: Northwest gales are easing, and the Watch has been lifted.

An update from MetService for severe weather will be issued by 9pm Wednesday July 13.