The MetService advises that a period of heavy rain is expected later today for the northern and central parts of New Zealand.

An active front over the Tasman Sea is expected to move southeast across northern and central New Zealand from this afternoon to early Monday morning, bringing a period of heavy northerly rain and squally thunderstorms to parts of the North Island and northwest Nelson.

A Heavy Rain Watch is in force for the Bay of Plenty west of Opotiki from 6pm Sunday to 2am Monday; for the north and east of Northland from 2pm – 10pm today; for the northern and eastern parts of Auckland including Great Barrier Island, also Coromandel Peninsula from 4pm today to 12am Monday; for the hill country of Taranaki and Waikato south of Te Kuiti, including Egmont and Tongariro National Parks from 7pm Sunday to 3am Monday; and for Nelson west of Motueka from 8pm Sunday to 4am Monday.

Thunderstorms are also possible in these regions, and rainfall amounts may approach short-duration warning criteria.

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