The MetService has issued a heavy rain warning for the Bay of Plenty area for Monday and Tuesday.

A low pressure system is forecast to bring periods of heavy rain to the upper and central North Island, along with easterly gales for many parts of northern and central New Zealand.

The heavy rain is expected to hit the Western Bay of Plenty about noon tomorrow and continue through until about midday Tuesday.

Weather for this afternoons match between Bay of Plenty Steamers and Waikato is for rain to clear this afternoon with fine breaks and a north-westerly with a high of 17C.

Police have asked motorist to slow down and drive to the conditions.

MetService's forecast for tomorrow is heavy rain with a high of 15C and and overnight low of 11C. They are also predicting a strong north-easterly. Wednesday is periods of rain Westerlies with a high of 17C.

"A low pressure system, currently sitting northwest of the country, is deepening and heading our way, bringing heavy rain to the North Island on Monday and Tuesday", MetService meteorologist Emma Blades says.

"A Severe Weather Watch is place for heavy rain from Northland, across to the Western Bay of Plenty, and down to the Waikato - this region includes Auckland."

As the low pressure system tracks across the country, a strong moist easterly flow will generate strong winds across northern and central New Zealand, with the potential for easterly gales to become severe.

"A Watch has been issued for western parts of the North Island and upper South Island. As this is a developing situation, we advise people to keep up to date with the latest forecasts, as some areas may get upgraded to Warnings, and further areas could be added to the Watch."

For the latest forecast, Warnings and Watches visit http://www.metservice.com/warnings/home or on mobile devices go to m.metservice.com.