An active trough is expected to bring rain or showers and strong southeast winds to northeast parts of the North Island by Tuesday.

Rain is forecast to fall from southeast Northland over the Outer Hauraki Gulf to eastern Coromandel Peninsula, with some southeast gales in the same areas.

A Heavy Rain Watch is now in force for North Taranaki, with periods of heavy rain that may approach warning criteria on Monday morning, due to a slow moving trough, says the latest update from weather authorities.

"On Wednesday, May 8, the trough should move northwest, with further rain for eastern parts of Northland and Great Barrier Island, especially during the first part of the day. There is low confidence that rainfall accumulations will approach warning criteria.

B"y Thursday, a strong, cold south to southeast flow should spread up the east of the country, bringing showers to many places, but it this stage there is minimal risk of severe weather.

"The cold southerly flow should ease by Friday as a ridge of high pressure builds over the country, and there is minimal risk of severe weather."