You may want to bring your washing inside today as the Metservice has issued a severe weather watch for the Coromandel this morning.

Northwest gales are expected over the top half of the North Island today and will persist in Eastern areas tomorrow.

Northwest gales are expected to hit the Coromandel peninsula today. Photo: File

These gales are also likely to be severe in exposed places from this afternoon and may last until midnight tonight.

The Metservice says a low is expected to pass southeastwards across the lower North Island this evening.

Strong to gale westerlies spread over the country behind this low early Tuesday, with another front expected to move on to the South Island during the day.

Forecasters will continue to monitor the situation and advise people in these areas to remain up to date with the latest forecasts in case further warnings are necessary.