A heavy rain watch is currently in force for the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty.

In its latest update, the MetService says "moist northwesterlies are bring periods of heavy rain to parts of New Zealand".

"A series of fronts are expected to affect the country, bringing rain to the north and west of the North and South Islands, with heavy falls in some areas.

"The heaviest rain is expected in Westland and a Warning is now in force for that area. Watches for heavy rain are in force for many other areas.

"Please keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case changes are made."

Heavy Rain Watch
Area: Coromandel Peninsula and the Hunua Range
Valid: 12 hours from 9am Tue 5 Sep to 9pm Tue 5 Sep
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Bay of Plenty west of Te Puke
Valid: 18 hours from 9am Tue 5 Sep to 3am Wed 6 Sep
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain are possible, and amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Mount Taranaki
Valid: 21 hours from 2pm Tue 5 Sep to 11am Wed 6 Sep
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Tasman about and east of Motueka and the Richmond and Bryant Ranges of Marlborough
Valid: 13 hours from 3pm Tue 5 Sep to 4am Wed 6 Sep
Forecast: Periods of heavy northerly and later northwesterly rain. Amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Tasman northwest of Motueka
Valid: 18 hours from 9:00am Tue 5 Sep to 3:00am Wed 6 Sep
Forecast: Periods of heavy northerly rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Buller, and Westland north of Otira
Valid: 24 hours from 11pm Tue 5 Sep to 11pm Wed 6 Sep
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria.
Note, the heaviest rain is expected from Wednesday afternoon when an active front moves east onto the region.

Area: The headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers from Arthurs Pass southwards
Valid: 25 hours from 9pm Tue 5 Sep to 10pm Wed 6 Sep
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria. Note that the heaviest rain is likely to occur Wednesday afternoon and evening as a front moves east across the area.