Heavy rain and strong northerly winds are expected to hit parts of the Bay of Plenty today.

Metservice has issued a heavy rain warning for the eastern Bay of Plenty Ranges.

An active front preceded by a strong moist northerly flow is forecast to move eastwards across the North Island during today and Monday, says Metservice.

Meanwhile, a trough follows this front, bringing persistent showers to the South Island West Coast today.

A heavy rain warning also remains in force for Taranaki, Tongariro, the Kaimanawa Ranges and National Park.

In addition to the warnings, watches for gales remain in force for Marlborough, Wellington, southern Wairarapa, Taranaki, Taihape and the Whanganui hill country, and Auckland.

Watches for heavy rain remain in force for Northland, the hill country from Waitomo to Whanganui and the central high country (excluding Tongariro and the Kaimanawa Range already covered by a warning), the Tararua Range, Kapiti Coast and the northern hills of Wellington.

People are advised to stay up to date with the latest forecasts in case any changes are made to the current watches or warnings, or further areas added.