Another dumping of heavy rain is on the way for the Bay of Plenty.

The MetService has issued a severe weather watch for rain for the region this morning.

In Tauranga, one or two morning showers are expected.

Heavy rain is then forecast to develop this afternoon as northeasterlies become fresh, then clearing this evening as winds ease.

"A low over the Tasman Sea approaches central New Zealand today, then moves eastwards over the North Island on Friday," says a spokesperson for the weather organisation.

"An associated front, preceded by a strong northeast flow, moves eastwards over the North Island and northern South Island today and early Friday morning.

"This front is forecast to bring a burst of rain to many places, which may be heavy for a time.

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

Image: MetService.

HEAVY RAIN WATCH

Area: Northland
Valid: 6 hours from 11am to 5pm Thursday
Forecast: A brief period of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria, especially about the eastern hills.

Area: Auckland
Valid: 6 hours from 1pm to 7pm Thursday
Forecast: A brief period of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria in some places.

Area: Bay of Plenty and the ranges of northern Gisborne
Valid: 9 hours from 4pm Thursday to 1am Friday
Forecast: A period of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria. Thunderstorms are possible in the east tonight and early Friday morning.

Area: Mount Taranaki
Valid: 9 hours from 2pm to 11pm Thursday
Forecast: A period of heavy rain, and amounts may exceed warning criteria. Thunderstorms are possible tonight.

Note, showers are expected during Friday and some will be heavy until evening, with thunderstorms also possible during the morning.

Area: Tasman west of Motueka
Valid: 12 hours from 3pm Thursday to 3am Friday
Forecast: A period of northeasterly rain, with heavy falls possible. Amounts may approach warning criteria in some places.

STRONG WIND WATCH

Area: Northland
Valid: 7 hours from 10am to 5pm Thursday
Forecast: Northeast winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.

Area: Auckland and Great Barrier Island
Valid: 6 hours from 1pm to 7pm Thursday
Forecast: Northeast winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.