A severe weather watch has been issued by MetService for the Bay of Plenty with heavy rain forecast from tonight.

A complex trough is expected to move east onto central New Zealand today and then move slowly east over the upper North Island tomorrow.

MetService has issued a severe weather watch for the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel. Photo: File.

Bursts of heavy rain are expected in the Bay of Plenty from tonight with the rain expected to ease about the Coromandel Peninsula tomorrow afternoon and tomorrow afternoon in the Bay.

People in these areas are advised to stay up to date with the latest forecasts in case part of this watch is upgraded to a warning or further areas are added.

This watch will be reviewed by 9pm tonight.