A heavy rain watch is in place for the Bay of Plenty today.

The MetService says a moist northwest flow lies over Fiordland today ahead of a front, which should move north of the area tonight and the rain there should then ease.

'Meanwhile, a complex low pressure system is forecast to move southeastwards just to the north and east of the North Island on Friday.

'There is some uncertainty with regards to the track and intensity of this system, however, if the system tracks close to the North Island it could bring a brief period of heavy rain to northern and eastern parts of Northland, northern Gisborne and eastern Bay of Plenty.”

The MetService says people are advised to keep up to date with forecasts in case parts of this watch are upgraded to a full warning, or other areas are added.

Heavy Rain Watch

Area: Northern and eastern parts of Northland
Valid: 12 hours from 3am to 3pm Friday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain possible. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Gisborne north of Tokomaru Bay and Bay of Plenty east of Te Kaha
Valid: 8 hours from 3pm to 11pm Friday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain possible. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Fiordland
Valid: 14 hours from 9am to 11pm Thursday
Forecast: Rain, with some heavy falls and possible thunderstorms, especially with the passage of a front this evening. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.