MetService has issued a Severe Weather Warning with a burst of heavy rain and northerly gales forecast for parts of New Zealand.

An active front, preceded by a strong and moist northerly flow, is expected to move over New Zealand from the west during Sunday and Monday, followed by a broad trough of low pressure, says a MetService spokesperson.

These weather systems are forecast to bring a brief period of heavy rain to northern and western regions, with the largest accumulations likely about the ranges in the north and west of the South Island.

Gale force northerly winds are also likely about exposed parts of central New Zealand for a time.

Heavy Rain Warnings are in place for the following regions:

Area: Richmond and Bryant Ranges, also the Rai Valley
Valid: 15 hours from 12pm Sunday 9 Jun to 3am Monday 10 June
Forecast: Expect 90 to 130 mm of rain. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h, especially about the ranges.

Area: Tasman northwest of Motueka
Valid: 15 hours from 10am Sunday 9 Jun to 1am Monday 10 June
Forecast: Expect 120 to 170 mm of rain about the ranges, and 30 to 60 mm closer to the coast. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h about the ranges from afternoon.

Area: The Paparoa Range and the ranges of the Buller District south of Seddonville and northwest of Reefton
Valid: 12 hours from 10am to 10pm Sunday 9 June
Forecast: Expect 80 to 120 mm of rain. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h from afternoon, and thunderstorms possible in the evening.

Area: The ranges of the Westland District
Valid: 15 hours from 8am to 11pm Sunday 9 June
Forecast: Expect 120 to 150 mm of rain. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h from afternoon, with thunderstorms possible.

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

Heavy Rain Watch is in place for the following areas:
Area: The Tararua Range
Valid: 9 hours from 11pm Sunday 9 June to 8am Monday 10 June
Forecast: A period of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Mount Taranaki
Valid: 15 hours from 1pm Sunday 9 June to 4am Monday 10 June
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Canterbury Headwaters
Valid: 12 hours from 9am to 9pm Sunday 9 June
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Amounts may approach warning criteria within 20 km east of the main divide.

Strong Wind Watch
Area: Wellington including the Remutaka Hill Road
Valid: 15 hours from 3pm Sunday 9 June to 6am Monday 10 June
Forecast: Northerly winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.