MetService has issued a severe weather watch with a risk of localised heavy rain and downpours for some northern parts of the North Island

"A very moist air mass affects the north of the North Island, with a shallow low expected to develop to the west of the island on Monday," says a MetService spokesperson.

Watches are in place for localised heavy rain.

A heavy rain watch is in place for the Bay of Plenty.

This is valid for 15 hours from 9am Monday, February 26, to 12am Tuesday, February 27.

Expect periods of rain, locally heavy at times, with possible downpours. Accumulations may approach warning criteria in some places, especially inland, says the weather organisation.

"Peak intensities may be 20 to 35 mm per hour. Further heavy rain is possible on Tuesday and the period of this watch may be extended.

"A heavy rain watch is also in place for Northland south of Dargaville, Auckland excluding Great Barrier Island and Coromandel Peninsula.

"This is valid for 14 hours from 8pm Sunday, February 25, to 10am Monday February 26."