Heavy rain is being forecast for the region today as a complex low moves over the country.

Rain started falling in the region earlier this morning, and the MetService says there doesn't appear to be any signs of it letting up.

'A complex low pressure system is forecast to move southeastwards just to the north and east of the North Island on Friday,” says the weather organisation.

'There is some uncertainty with regards to the track and intensity of this system, however, if the system tracks close to the North Island it could bring a brief period of heavy rain to northern and eastern parts of Northland, northern Gisborne and eastern Bay of Plenty.”

People are advised to keep up to date with forecasts in case parts of this watch is upgraded to a full warning, or other areas are added.

Heavy Rain Watch

Area: Northern and eastern parts of Northland
Valid: 12 hours from 11pm Thursday to 11am Friday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain possible. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Gisborne north of Tokomaru Bay and Bay of Plenty east of Te Kaha
Valid: 12 hours from 6am to 6pm Friday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain possible. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Fiordland
Valid: 3 hours from 8m to 11pm Thursday
Forecast: Rain, with some heavy falls, easing tonight. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.