Heavy rain is on the cards for Bay of Plenty tonight, with MetService issuing a heavy rain watch for the Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty west of Tauranga, Gisborne and Tararua District.

The Coromandel and Bay of Plenty west of Tauranga rain warning has been issued from 8pm Thursday, September 22 to 1am Friday, September 23.

"A low northeast of New Zealand is forecast to move southwest across the North Island on Friday. Rain is expected for many parts of the North Island, with heavy falls possible about eastern and northern
areas," says a MetService spokesperson.

"A Heavy Rain Warning remains in place for Hawkes Bay, while Heavy Rain Watches remain in force for the Coromandel Peninsula, western Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, and the Tararua District.

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

MetService has also issued a heavy rain watch for the following areas:

Area: Gisborne
Valid: 10 hours from 8:00 pm Thursday to 6:00 am Friday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall accumulations may exceed warning amounts, especially about the ranges north of Tolaga Bay.

Area: The Tararua District
Valid: 16 hours from 11:00 pm Thursday to 3:00 pm Friday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

For all current severe weather watches, visit the MetService website.For the latest Tauranga forecast, visit https://www.metservice.com/towns-cities/locations/tauranga.