MetService has issued a Severe Weather Watch with heavy rain and gales expected for northern parts of the North Island including Coromandel Peninsula.

A subtropical low and preceding front is moving southwards over northern parts of the North Island from Monday onwards, bringing easterly gales and periods of heavy rain.

"Watches for Heavy Rain and Severe Gales are now in force," a MetService spokesperson said.

"Stay up to date with the latest forecasts in case changes are made, or more areas added."

A Heavy Rain Watch has been issued for Northland which is valid for 27 hours from 7am Monday January 20 to 10am Tuesday January 21. Periods of heavy rain are expected north of Kaikohe from Monday morning, especially in the east.

Heavy rain is expected to become more widespread through Northland from Monday evening onwards. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria. Thunderstorms and localised downpours are possible, especially from Monday evening, and there is a moderate chance of this Watch upgrading to a Warning.

A Heavy Rain Watch has also been issued for Auckland and Great Barrier Island. This is valid for the 12 hours from 1am to 1pm Tuesday. Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria and there is a moderate chance of this upgrading to a Warning.

A Heavy Rain Watch is also in place for Coromandel Peninsula for 14 hours from 4am to 6pm on Tuesday. Periods of heavy rain are expected with amounts that may approach warning criteria, especially in the ranges. There is a moderate chance of this upgrading to a Warning.

A Strong Wind Watch is in place for Northland from 1am to 8am on Tuesday, and for Auckland, Great Barrier Island and Coromandel Peninsul from 5am to 11am on Tuesday. 
Easterly winds may approach severe gale in exposed places and there is a moderate chance of this Watch upgrading to a Warning.