A severe weather watch is in place for the region with another lashing of heavy rain on the way.

The MetService is forecasting heavy rain for northern New Zealand during Wednesday and Thursday.

"A front, preceded by moist easterlies, moves onto northern New Zealand tomorrow," says a spokesperson for the weather organisation.

"Periods of heavy rain and easterly gales are forecast for some areas of the upper North Island. A watch for heavy rain is now in force for Northland, northern Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula and western Bay of Plenty.

"A Strong Wind Watch is also in force for northern Auckland.

"Please keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case any Watches are upgraded to Warnings, changes are made or more areas are added."

Heavy Rain Watch
Area: Eastern Northland, and Auckland north of Whangaparaoa including Great Barrier Island
Valid: 27 hours from 9am Wed 7 Dec to 12pm Thu 8 Dec
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, mainly from Wednesday evening through to Thursday morning. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Coromandel Peninsula
Valid: 35 hours from 10am Wed 7 Dec to 9pm Thu 8 Dec
Forecast: Periods of rain expected during Wednesday, which could be heavy at times. A more significant period of heavy rain is likely during Thursday and rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria, mainly about the ranges. This watch may be upgraded to a warning closer to the time.

Area: Bay of Plenty west of Tauranga
Valid: 36 hours from 12pm Wed 7 Dec to 12am Fri 9 Dec
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria, mainly about the Kaimai Range.

Strong Wind Watch
Area: Auckland about and north of Whangaparaoa
Valid: 21 hours from 6pm Wed 7 Dec to 3pm Thu 8 Dec
Forecast: Easterly winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.