An active front lying over central North Island areas should continue moving slowly eastwards during today before moving away to the east on Tuesday morning.

The front should continue to deliver rain to parts of central and northern New Zealand, with the heaviest falls expected in the Eastern Bay of Plenty and the Gisborne ranges where a heavy rain warning is in force.

In a statement issued by Metservice it says this watch covers the possibility of rainfall accumulations reaching warning criteria in Waitomo, Taumarunui and Taihape mainly about the higher ground, and now also covers parts of Bay of Plenty and Gisborne that aren't covered by a full warning, namely Bay of Plenty from Whakatane westwards, and Gisborne away from the ranges.

People are advised to stay up to date with the latest forecasts in case parts of this watch are upgraded to a warning or new areas are added.

Heavy Rain Watch:

Area: Bay of Plenty, from Whakatane westwards
Valid: 7 hours from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday
Forecast: Rain with heavy falls and possible thundery downpours. Rainfall accumulations may approach short duration Warning criteria during this time.

Area: Gisborne away from the ranges
Valid: 6 hours from 1:00 am to 7:00 am Tuesday
Forecast: Rain with heavy falls and possible localised downpours. Rainfall accumulations may approach short duration Warning amounts during this time.