The sunny weather experienced in the Bay of Plenty on the weekend will be replaced by rain tomorrow.

The MetService has issued a severe weather watch for heavy rain in the region.

Northeasterly gales and periods of heavy rain are expected to affect northern parts of the North Island during Tuesday and Wednesday, says the weather organisation.

'A complex low is expected to approach the North Island from the north Tasman Sea on Tuesday, then move over the Island on Wednesday.

'Its associated fronts are also going to affect the North Island. These features should bring northeasterly gales and periods of heavy rain to northern parts of the North Island from Tuesday to Wednesday.

'A strong wind watch is now in force for Auckland, and heavy rain watch is in force for Northland, Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula and western Bay of Plenty.

'Also note, due to higher than normal tides over the next few days, there is a possibility of coastal inundation in areas exposed to strong northeast winds.”

Heavy Rain Watch

Area: Northland
Valid: 20 hours from 8am Tuesday to 4am Wednesday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria, mainly in the east.

Area: Auckland, Great Barrier Island
Valid: 19 hours from 1pm Tuesday to 8am Wednesday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria, mainly in the north and east.

Area: Coromandel Peninsula
Valid: 24 hours from 2pm Tuesday to 2pm Wednesday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Bay Of Plenty, Rotorua
Valid: 21 hours from 6pm Tuesday to 3pm Wednesday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Strong Wind Watch

Area: Auckland, Great Barrier Island
Valid: 16 hours from 4pm Tuesday to 8am Wednesday
Forecast: Northeast winds may approach severe gale in exposed places at times, mainly north of Auckland Airport.