A severe weather watch remains in place for the Bay of Plenty as rain continues to fall in the region.

The MetService is predicting heavy rain in the region this morning, followed by showers and northerly winds this afternoon.

Rain is expected to remain in the area until about Thursday, according to the weather organisations five day forecast.

The Bay of Plenty is not the only region with a watch issued, Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel, Rotorua, Nelson, Southern Lakes Dunedin, Clutha and Southland are all on alert for heavy rain today.

'A slow-moving low over the Tasman Sea will direct a moist northeasterly flow over New Zealand until late Monday,” says a statement from the MetService.

'Rainbands embedded within the flow are likely to bring periods of heavy rain to the northern half of the North Island, western Nelson, southern Westland and Fiordland during this time, with possible thunderstorms for the northern half of the North Island.”

Additionally, a slow-moving east to southeasterly rainband is likely to bring a period of persistent rain to the southeast of the South Island tonight and Monday morning.

The heaviest falls are likely in southern Westland and northern Fiordland and a warning is force for these areas.

This watch is for heavy rain possibly reaching warning criteria (e.g. 60-70mm in 9-12 hours, or 100mm in 24 hours) in the following areas...

NORTHLAND: Until early Monday morning, periods of heavy rain with possible thunderstorms, mainly in northern and eastern areas.

AUCKLAND: Until Monday morning, periods of heavy rain or showers, with possible thunderstorms. Heaviest falls are likely tonight and Monday morning.

COROMANDEL PENINSULA: Until about midday Monday, periods of heavy rain with possible thunderstorms. Heaviest falls are likely overnight Sunday and during Monday morning. Rainfall rates of 25mm per hour or more are possible in localised places.

BAY OF PLENTY/ROTORUA: Until late Monday afternoon, periods of heavy rain with possible thunderstorms. Heaviest falls are likely on Monday. Rainfall rates of 25mm per hour or more are possible in localised places.

WESTERN NELSON: Until about midday Monday, periods of heavy rain west of Motueka.

The HEADWATERS of the OTAGO and WESTERN SOUTHLAND LAKES and RIVERS: Until Monday morning, periods of heavy rain.

SOUTHLAND, CLUTHA and DUNEDIN: Until about dawn Monday, persistent rain may reach the lower warning criteria of 40-50mm in 12 hours relevant to these areas.

This Watch will be reviewed by 10am Monday 27 March