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

The MetService has issued the watch, saying there is a chance of rain developing this evening.

'A period of heavy rain is forecast for the west of the South Island and parts of the North Island, and gale northwesterlies for Canterbury High Country.

'A front, preceded by strong northwesterlies, is forecast to move north across the South Island today and the North Island on Tuesday.”

The front brings a brief period of heavy rain with it, mainly affecting the western districts.

The heaviest rain is expected about the ranges of Buller north of Westport and the Tararua Range and a heavy rain warning is now in force for these areas.

'A heavy rain watch remains in force Westland, remainder of Buller, and now also covers Nelson west of Motueka, Mount Taranaki, the central North Island high county, the eastern ranges of Bay of Plenty and the ranges of Gisborne.

'People are advised to stay up to date with the latest forecasts in case any changes are made.”

Heavy Rain Watch

Area: Ranges of Bay of Plenty west of Whakatane and the Gisborne ranges
Valid: 12 hours from 9am to 9pm Tuesday
Forecast: A period of heavy rain. Rainfall accumulations may approach Warning criteria.

Area: Mount Taranaki, Taumarunui, Taupo and Taihape
Valid: 16 hours from 3am to 7pm Tuesday
Forecast: A period of heavy rain. Rainfall accumulations may approach Warning criteria, especially about the higher ground.

Area: Nelson west of Mutueka
Valid: 13 hours from 1pm Monday to 2am Tuesday
Forecast: A period of heavy rain. Rainfall accumulations may approach Warning criteria.

Area: The ranges of Buller south of Westport and Westland from Otira northwards
Valid: 36 hours from 11am Monday to 11pm Tuesday
Forecast: A period of heavy rain. Rainfall accumulations may approach Warning criteria

Area: The ranges of Westland about and south of Otira
Valid: 5 hours from 9am to 2pm Monday
Forecast: A period of heavy rain. Rainfall accumulations may approach Warning criteria.

Strong Wind Watch

Area: Canterbury High Country north of Mount Cook
Valid: 8 hours from 9am to 5pm Monday
Forecast: Northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places at times.