A severe weather watch is in place for the Bay of Plenty, with westerly gales forecast to hit the region from this afternoon.

Metservice says a series of deep lows are expected to pass south of New Zealand this week, maintaining a strong, disturbed westerly flow over the country.

Metservice has issued a severe weather watch for the Bay of Plenty. Photo: File.

Bringing with it severe gales, for much of the South Island and Central North Island today and tomorrow.

The watch is for the 'possibility” of severe westerly gales in Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, and Taupo this afternoon and into the evening.

Metservice is currently predicting gusts of 37 kilometres an hour to hit Tauranga about 4pm.

People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case parts of this watch are upgraded to a warning.

The watch will be reviewed by 9pm today.