A heavy rain warning has been issued for Coromandel Peninsula today, with a possibility of rainfall amounts up to 100mm in 24 hours.

Heavy rain is forecast for Coromandel Peninsula. Photo: file.

MetService has issued a severe weather watch for Northland, Auckland and Gisborne, as rain and strong easterlies hit northern New Zealand.

A front is expected to move slowly south over the North Island today and Monday. As moist easterly gales precede, MetService says this front brings bursts of heavy rain to parts of the upper North Island.

'This Watch is for the possibility that the easterlies could rise to severe gale in Northland and Auckland from this afternoon, easing this evening in Northland and overnight in Auckland.

Rainfall amounts could reach warning criteria of an estimated 100mm in 24 hours about northern parts of Auckland (north of Orewa) from early this afternoon until tonight.

Heavy rain is also forecast about the Gisborne Ranges from early Monday morning until early Tuesday morning.

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

This watch will be reviewed by 9pm.