A low over the north Tasman Sea should deepen as it approaches the upper North Island today (Thursday). The low is then exepcted to remain slow moving close to Northland until late Friday or early Saturday. Rain in a moist easterly flow associated with the low is expected to spread south over the North Island today and during Friday.Significant amounts of heavy rain are likely in the eastern hills of Northland from Whangarei to the Bay of Islands, the Coromandel Peninsula and Gisborne. A Heavy Rain Warning is in force for these areas.

This Watch is for the possibility of a period of significant heavy rain elsewhere in Northland, in Auckland north of Orewa from Thursday afternoon until early Friday morning, in Hawkes Bay during Friday and on Mount Taranaki today and tomorrow.

Additionally, the easterlies are expected to become strong for a time over the upper North Island, and this Watch is also covers the possibility that gusts could approach severe gale strength in Northland, Auckland (mainly north of the city) and the Coromandel Peninsula.

People are advised to remain up to date with the latest forecasts, in case any areas covered by this update need to be upgraded.