Rain, heavy at times, turning to showers this afternoon, possibly heavy, easing this evening. Strong northerlies, easing this afternoon.

That is the latest weather forecast as the MetService issues an updated severe weather warning for the Bay of Plenty.

The weather organisation is predicting heavy rain for northern and western parts of New Zealand.

"A complex low and associated fronts are moving east across the country today and Tuesday, bringing strong winds and heavy rain to some parts of New Zealand.

"Severe Weather Warnings and Watches are in place.

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

A weather warning, which was issued on Sunday, remains in place for the region. Image: MetService.

Impact: Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.

Area: Bay of Plenty about and west of Whakatane

Period: 12hrs from 9am - 9pm Mon, 29 May

Forecast: Expect 60 to 90 mm of rain. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h.

Area: Bay of Plenty east of Whakatane and Gisborne north of Tokomaru Bay

Period: 17hrs from 10am Mon, 29 May - 3am Tue, 30 May

Forecast: Expect 70 to 110 mm of rain about the ranges, with lesser amounts near the coast. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h about the ranges, with thunderstorms possible.

Area: Tasman west of Motueka

Period: 8hrs from 9am - 5pm Mon, 29 May

Forecast: On top of what has already fallen, expect another 50 to 90 mm of rain about the ranges, with lesser amounts near the coast. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h about the ranges, with thunderstorms possible.

Area: Westland south of Otira

Period: 33hrs from 9am Mon, 29 May - 6pm Tue, 30 May

Forecast: On top of what has already fallen, expect 160 to 240 mm of rain to accumulate about the ranges, and 60 to 90 mm near the coast. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h about the ranges, with thunderstorms possible. Note, heavy rain is expected to ease for a time early Tuesday morning.

Heavy Rain Watch

Area: Mount Taranaki

Period: 4hrs from 9am - 1pm Mon, 29 May

Forecast: A period of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Buller

Period: 16hrs from 9am Mon, 29 May - 1am Tue, 30 May

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, with thunderstorms possible. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria, mainly about the Paparoa Range. Note, a brief burst of heavy rain is expected Tuesday afternoon but accumulations are not expected to approach warning amounts.

Area: Richmond and Bryant ranges including the Rai Valley, also Tasman from Motueka eastwards but excluding the Nelson Lakes

Period: 10hrs from 9am - 7pm Mon, 29 May

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria, with thunderstorms possible.

Area: Fiordland

Period: 30hrs from 9am Mon, 29 May - 3pm Tue, 30 May

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria, mainly north of Doubtful Sound. Note, rain is expected to ease for a time overnight Monday.

Area: Coromandel Peninsula

Period: 8hrs from 9am - 5pm Mon, 29 May

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria, especially about the ranges. Note, validity extended to 5pm.

Strong Wind Watch

Area: Canterbury High Country

Period: 7hrs from 11am - 6pm Tue, 30 May

Forecast: Northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.

Warnings no longer in force

Heavy Rain Warning - Orange lifted for : Northland: Widespread heavy rain has cleared and the Warning is lifted. Note that localised heavy showers are still possible.

Heavy Rain Watch lifted for : Auckland including Great Barrier Island : The threat of rainfall amounts reaching warning criteria has passed and the Watch is lifted. Note that localised heavy showers are still possible.

Strong Wind Watch lifted for : Northland : The threat of northeast winds reaching severe gale has passed and the Watch is lifted.

Strong Wind Watch lifted for : Auckland including Great Barrier Island: The threat of northeast winds reaching severe gale has passed and the Watch is lifted.

Strong Wind Watch lifted for : Coromandel Peninsula: The threat of northeast winds reaching severe gale has passed and the Watch is lifted.