Look out the window in Tauranga today and you will see blue sky and sunshine.

But people are being urged to enjoy the sunshine while it last as the MetService has issued a severe weather watch for heavy rain and strong winds on Sunday.

In its latest weather update, the MetService is forecasting heavy rain and severe easterly gales for parts of northern New Zealand on Sunday and Monday.

"A large, deep, complex low pressure system moves slowly southeast towards northern New Zealand during Sunday and Monday.

"An associated front is forecast to move slowly southwards over northern New Zealand on Monday, with heavy rain and easterly gales preceding the front.

"Large waves are also expected to affect eastern coasts of the upper North Island.

"Warnings and Watches for heavy rain and severe easterly gales are in force."

Image: MetService.

Heavy Rain Watch

Area: Auckland and Great Barrier Island
Valid: 15 hours from 6pm Sun 29 Oct to 9am Mon 30 Oct
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria, especially about Great Barrier Island and North Auckland. Thunderstorms possible Monday morning.

Area: Bay of Plenty north of Tauranga
Valid: 18 hours from 12am Mon 30 Oct to 6pm Mon 30 Oct
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria. Thunderstorms possible from Monday afternoon.

Strong Wind Watch

Area: Auckland south of Whangaparaoa
Valid: 15 hours from 6pm Sun 29 Oct to 9am Mon 30 Oct
Forecast: Easterly winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.

Area: The Kaimai Range and eastern Waikato
Valid: 9 hours from 12am Mon 30 Oct to 9am Mon 30 Oct
Forecast: Easterly winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.