Heavy rain is forecast for parts of the North Island today, says MetService.

A front is moving onto the North Island from the west today, then away to the east on Monday, bringing a period of rain to many parts of the island.

In the South Island, a slow-moving front is forecast to bring rain to Fiordland and the Westland District.

A Heavy Rain Watch is in place for the following areas:

Waitomo, Taumarunui, Taupo, and Tongariro National Park - this is valid for 12 hours from 12pm Sunday, January 28 to 12am Monday, January 29.

The eastern ranges of Bay of Plenty - this is valid for 14 hours from 3pm Sunday, January 28  to 5am Monday, January 29.

North Taranaki including the Mountain/Taranaki Maunga - this is valid for nine hours from 1pm - 10pm Sunday, January 28.

The Westland District south of Franz Josef - this is valid for 21 hours from 12am Sunday, January 28 to 9pm Sunday, January 28.
 
Fiordland - this is valid for 10 hours from 8pm Saturday, January 27 to 6am Sunday, January 28.

Periods of heavy rain, with thunderstorms are possible for all of these areas, and rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.