The Bay of Plenty is predicted to be one of the wettest regions in New Zealand today as heavy rain batters the region.

The MetService issued a severe weather warning for the Bay of Plenty on Monday with heavy rain and strong north easterlies predicted as a large front moves southward over the North Island.

Rain is forecast to remain in the region until Wednesday, with the heaviest falls predicted for the Western Bay expected today.

The MetService says rainfall accumulations may approach warning amounts and will be maintained.