A low crosses over the South Island today meanwhile a front moves off the upper North Island and onto the lower North Island during the course of the day. The weather basically is becoming sunny in the east however expect rain or showers in the west for many.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty

Mainly dry & cloudy for Northland, Auckland and the Bay Of Plenty with a few patchy showers from morning. Cloudy for the Waikato with patchy showers or drizzle, areas of rain from afternoon. Breezy northwesterly winds.

Highs: 17-18

Western North Island (including Central North Island)

Areas of rain with heavy falls possible mainly afternoon onwards. Winds gusty to strong from the northwest.

Highs: 15-17

Eastern North Island

Plenty of high cloud with gusty northwesterly winds, a few spells of morning rain clear then there may be a few spots again later in the day.

Highs: 18-20

Wellington

Cloudy with rain easing to patchy showers after midday, strong to gale northwesterly winds.

High: 16

Marlborough & Nelson

Areas of rain (heavy first thing in Nelson) clear around midday then expect some sun in the afternoon, sun more likely for Marlbrough where as in Nelson there will be more cloud and perhaps even the odd shower still hanging about. Winds strong from the northwest with gales possible in Marlborough then easing later in the evening.

Highs: 16-18

Canterbury

Any early showers clear then expect mostly sunny weather with light winds, northwesterlies pick up in the afternoon becoming strong for some north parts of North Canterbury (gales possible). An evening southwest change then brings some cloud.

Highs: 14-16

West Coast

Morning rain eases to showers by midday as northwesterlies change westerly.

Highs: 13-14

Southland & Otago

A few areas of rain or showers then clearing around midday, expect snow around 300 to 400m first thing then lifting above 700m by midday. Rain near coastal Southland may be a bit more persistent in the morning. Easterlies in the morning for most, in the evening a southwest change moves through bringing cloud and a few showers with the odd snow flurry to 400m.

Highs: 6-9

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz