Bay of Plenty residents are being warned of heavy rain this afternoon as a front moves up from the South Island.

The MetService has issued a severe weather warning for the Bay with periods of heavy rain forecast for this evening.

More rain is being forecast for the region. Image: MetService.

'A front over the South Island should move onto the North Island this evening (Friday), preceded by a strong and moist northwest flow, bringing heavy rain to many areas.

'Further heavy rain is expected in the west of the South Island. Another 150 mm of rain may accumulate in addition to what has already fallen,” says the MetService.

'Another front over the Tasman Sea moves onto the South Island Saturday evening, and another period of heavy rain is likely in the west of the South Island.”

Severe northwest gales gusting 120 km/h or more are possible in exposed parts of Wellington and southern Wairarapa until this evening.

The MetService is forecasting 70 to 90mm to accumulate in the Eastern Bay of Plenty ranges in the 12 hours from 9am to 9pm, in addition to what has already fallen. Peak intensities of 10 to 20mm per hour are possible.

The 6am analysis shows plenty going on in our region. Check https://t.co/qHyE5zhh6X for Severe Weather Info ^PL pic.twitter.com/goZn2Dtx6v

— MetService (@MetService) June 9, 2016