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Rain is forecast to lash the region tomorrow before getting gradually worse on Monday and Tuesday.

The MetService is still predicting rain for the Bay of Plenty. Image: MetService.

Several fronts are making their way northeast over New Zealand this weekend, bringing rain and strong winds to many parts.

Heavy rain warnings and watches are in place for some western and northern areas for today and Sunday. Although nothing is in place for the Bay.

The weather should ease for a while once this first band of rain sweeps through. Unfortunately, worse weather is waiting in the wings, says meteorologist Emma Blades.

'On Monday and Tuesday, an area of low pressure is set to deepen and move over the North Island, directing a strong and moist easterly flow over much of the North Island and the top of the South Island.

'This means heavy rain for northern and eastern areas, including Auckland, and strong winds for most of northern and central New Zealand.”

On Wednesday, the low spreads southeast across central regions, so MetService will also be closely monitoring the lower North Island and the east of the South Island for potential heavy rain and strong winds.

The area of low pressure then moves away to the east on Thursday.

The MetService is still predicting rain for the Bay of Plenty.

By Letitia Atkinson

Headline Rain spreading across country

Don't let today's fine weather fool you, the rain is coming to the Bay warns the MetService.

Rain is forecast to lash the region tomorrow before getting gradually worse on Monday and Tuesday.

Several fronts are making their way northeast over New Zealand this weekend, bringing rain and strong winds to many parts.

Heavy rain warnings and watches are in place for some western and northern areas for today and Sunday. Although nothing is in place for the Bay.

The weather should ease for a while once this first band of rain sweeps through. Unfortunately, worse weather is waiting in the wings, says meteorologist Emma Blades.

'On Monday and Tuesday, an area of low pressure is set to deepen and move over the North Island, directing a strong and moist easterly flow over much of the North Island and the top of the South Island.

'This means heavy rain for northern and eastern areas, including Auckland, and strong winds for most of northern and central New Zealand.”

On Wednesday, the low spreads southeast across central regions, so MetService will also be closely monitoring the lower North Island and the east of the South Island for potential heavy rain and strong winds.

The area of low pressure then moves away to the east on Thursday.