Periods of heavy rain are being forecast for both the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel.

Severe weather watches and warnings are in place for both regions.

A front, preceded by moist easterlies, moves onto northern New Zealand today and tomorrow, says a MetService spokesperson.

"Periods of heavy rain and easterly gales are forecast for some parts of the upper North Island.

"A Heavy Rain Warning is now in force for Coromandel Peninsula, while Heavy Rain Watches remain in force for Northland, northern Auckland and Western Bay of Plenty.

"A Strong Wind Watch remains in force for northern Auckland. Northland, western Coromandel Peninsula and eastern Waikato have also been added to the Watch.

"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 Warning - Orange
Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.

Area: Coromandel Peninsula
Valid: 24 hours from 12am Thu 8 Dec to 12am Fri 9 Dec
Forecast: Expect 100 to 130 mm of rain about the ranges, with lesser amounts near the coast. Peak rates of 10 to 20 mm/h expected about the ranges.

Heavy Rain Watch
Area: Eastern Northland, and Auckland north of Whangaparaoa including Great Barrier Island
Valid: 24 hours from 6pm Wed 7 Dec to 6pm Thu 8 Dec
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Bay of Plenty west of Kawerau including Rotorua
Valid: 24 hours from 12pm Thu 8 Dec to 12pm Fri 9 Dec
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria, mainly about the Kaimai Range and Rotorua.

Strong Wind Watch
Area: Northland
Valid: 22 hours from 5pm Wed 7 Dec to 3pm Thu 8 Dec
Forecast: Easterly winds may approach severe gale in exposed places, mainly in the west.

Area: Auckland about and north of Whangaparaoa
Valid: 27 hours from 6pm Wed 7 Dec to 9pm Thu 8 Dec
Forecast: Easterly winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.

Area: Western Coromandel Peninsula and eastern Waikato near the ranges
Valid: 16 hours from 9am Thu 8 Dec to 1am Fri 9 Dec
Forecast: Easterly winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.