A deep low is expected to approach the far North today bringing heavy rain as it slowly moves down the country.

A frontal system associated with the low should bring a period should bring a period of heavy rain as it crosses northern New Zealand, while easterly winds will likely rise to gale in exposed places for a time south of the low centre, says the MetService.

A severe weather watch has been issued for Northland, Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula.

'Rain is expected to become heavy about northern parts of Auckland and Coromandel early Sunday morning, then ease late Sunday afternoon or evening,” says a statement from the weather organisation.

'It's possible that rainfall accumulations may approach warning criteria during this time. In addition, severe gale easterlies are possible in exposed parts of Auckland and Coromandel during much of Sunday.”