The nation is basking in the glory of winning the Rugby World Cup and up to two thirds of the country will bathe in warmth or sunshine and perhaps even a combination of both today.

Firstly, congratulations to the All Blacks for lifting the Webb Ellis Trophy for the second time after a big performance against the French last night at Eden Park in Auckland.

Today we start over the South Island and  winds are amping up with nor’ westers set to rise to near gale force for inland, southern and eastern regions with temperatures on the up for those on the lee side of the alps.
The mercury is likely to surpass the 20 degree mark however high cloud at times could see it from climbing too high.

West Coasters are set to see rain settle in and those in the deep south should see falls spilling over late in the day or tonight but the warmth should cling onto the south for much of the day.

Wellingtonians may need to do battle today as the northerly starts to howl although almost all of the North Island should be mostly dry with some sunny and cloudy spells. Temperatures are also likely to lift today and the winds in some cases.

We’ll update again later this morning in more detail with what’s happening in our regions and cities weather wise.

As we enjoy the afterglow of last night’s big event, there will be a chance for some today to just take it quietly after a somewhat raucous night for many.