Weather: Heavy rain watch remains in place for Bay of Plenty ranges

It's warmer but wetter with rain setting in throughout the Bay this morning.

According to MetService there will be severe gales and heavy rain on the way for parts of central and southern New Zealand, and heavy snow possible in the far south.

A complex front, which has been over the South Island earlier this week, moves over the North Island today, MetService said.

"This front is preceded by strong north-to-northwest winds, and followed by a cold southwest change. Warnings and watches for wind, rain, and snow are now in force for parts of central and southern New Zealand."

A heavy rain watch remains in place for the ranges of Bay of Plenty east of Whakatāne and Gisborne, north of Ruatoria, from 9am to 6pm today.

Those in the area can expect periods of heavy rain, with rainfall amounts approaching warning criteria.

After several days of dry and settled conditions, active weather is returning.

Here's our high-res rain forecast.

We start with a more traditional look, then transition to the bars 📊.

Note how the Southern Alps 🏔️ act as a barrier, reducing rainfall to the east. pic.twitter.com/gw1Rj4hPlg

— NIWA Weather (@NiwaWeather) July 5, 2021

Rotorua's forecast for today is for rain, possibly heavy for a time, clearing in the afternoon then partly cloudy. Northerlies will change southwest by afternoon. The predicted high is 14C and the low 3C.

Tauranga residents can expect rain, with a chance of being heavy, clearing in the afternoon then mainly fine. Strong northerlies changing southwest in the morning. The forecast high is 17C and the low 6C.

In Taupō, today's forecast is for rain, possibly heavy, clearing late in the morning or early afternoon then partly cloudy. Northerlies changing southwest by afternoon, dying out later. The high is 12C and the low 2C.

For Whakatāne, today's weather brings rain, possibly heavy, clearing by evening then mainly fine. Strong northerlies changing southwest in the afternoon. The predicted high is 17C and the low 4C.