It will be a bit unsettled today for the western and southern sections of both islands.

Showers are possible about Auckland, Taranaki, the West Coast and Southland this morning.  This afternoon, the showers will increase in their coverage.  That means most of the western and southern sections of the South Island will have good chance for rain, especially Westland.  Taranaki will also see their chance for rain go up a bit for this afternoon.  Shower chances will spread into the Waikato for this afternoon as well.

For tonight, shower chances will cover all of the western North Island, from Auckland south to Taranaki.  Wanganui and Wairarapa could also see a few showers.

The shower chances will also continue for the western and lower South Island.

As far as snow goes, there is a very good chance for seeing snow early this morning above 800 metres.  Government forecaster MetService has Road Snowfall Warnings up for both Milford Road and Arthurs Pass.  Around 5cm could accumulate before the snow ends or changes to rain later this morning.

Additional snowfall that would affect Milford Road is possible late tonight into early Saturday morning.

By WeatherWatch Analyst Howard Joseph