Periods of heavy rain are being forecast for Bay of Plenty and Gisborne, along with a significant snow dumping for the south of the South Island.

A low pressure system over the North Island moves to the east of the country late this afternoon or evening, says the MetService.

'The low brings periods of rain to the eastern regions of the North Island until this afternoon, followed by a strong cold southerly change over the country.”

A severe weather watch is in place for the possibility of rainfall amounts reaching warning criteria in Bay of Plenty east of Te Puke and Gisborne through to this afternoon.

'In addition, snow is expected to fall to low levels in the south of the South Island Tuesday night and through to Wednesday morning.

'This watch is for the possibility that snow accumulations may reach warning amounts above 400 metres during this period.

'The threat for heavy rain in Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty from Te Puke westwards, Kaikoura Coast and Ranges has passed and the watch is lifted.

'People are advised to keep up to date with latest forecasts in case parts of this Watch are upgraded to a full Warning, or further areas are added.”

Heavy rain watches are still in force for Bay of Plenty and Gisborne but expected to ease today as a low pressure moves east. A heavy snow watch is still in place for the southern South Island as snow is expected to fall to 300-400m. For the latest https://t.co/bcFLKY4OUU ^KL pic.twitter.com/rt8Y2QJGaW

— MetService (@MetService) June 4, 2018

Heavy Rain Watch

Area: Bay Of Plenty east of Te Puke including Rotorua, and all of the Gisborne region
Valid: 6 hours from 8:00am to 2:00pm Tuesday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain or showers. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria (eg. 50mm in 6 hours).

Heavy Snow Watch

Area: Fiordland, inland Southland and Clutha, inland Dunedin, Central Otago and Southern Lakes
Valid: 14 hours from 7:00pm Tuesday to 9:00am Wednesday
Forecast: Snow is expected to fall to low levels Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, with significant accumulations in some areas above 400 metres, where amounts may approach warning criteria.