The MetService has issued a severe weather watch for eastern Bay of Plenty and a heavy rain watch for the Bay of Plenty east of Rotorua.

A slow moving trough of low pressure is expected to bring a brief period of localised heavy rain for the eastern Bay of Plenty from early morning Sunday.

A heavy rain watch has been issued for Bay of Plenty east of Rotorua. A brief period of localised heavy rain is forecast and rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

The severe weather watch and heavy rain watch are valid from 3am – 11am on Sunday January 10.

People are advised to stay up to date with the latest forecast in case any changes are made to this Watch.