A heavy rain watch has been issued for the eastern Bay of Plenty region.

A front over the Bay of Plenty moves east this afternoon and the rain over the area eases.

In a statement issued by MetService says this watch is for the possibility of heavy rain to continue about the ranges of eastern Bay of Plenty until this afternoon when rainfall amounts could reach short during warning criteria.

Heavy Rain Watch:

Area: Eastern Bay of Plenty, mainly about the ranges
Valid: 6 hours from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm Sunday
Forecast: Rainfall amounts may reach warning criteria about the
ranges.