Upper North Island

Rain develops this morning with a chance of heavy falls then gradually easing throughout the day from this afternoon. Strong to gale northerlies (severe gales for coastal areas) tending northwest this afternoon then west to southwest this evening. High’s in the low twenties, it will be quite muggy.

Lower North Island

Early heavy rain (especially about Hawkes Bay and Gisborne) eases then expect the odd shower, rain moves in again around midday with a chance of heavy falls, first about Taranaki then elsewhere during the afternoon. Winds gusty from the east then swinging around to the south late afternoon or evening. Southerlies becoming very strong this evening / overnight about some parts of the lower North Island especially about Wellington where severe gales may develop. After early rain clears, Gisborne and parts of northern Hawkes Bay may see many dry periods today with only the odd spit or shower spilling over from the west at times, overnight gusty northerlies change southerly bringing in further rain. Temperatures in the low twenties for most, mid twenties about some east coast regions.

Upper South Island

Rain, heavy first thing about Nelson and Marlborough then easing, clearing at night. Rain spreads southwards through Canterbury this morning, rain is mainly heavy inland then easing overnight. Coastal parts of Canterbury especially in the north may see just showers from afternoon after a burst of rain this morning. North Westland sees showers at times spreading from the east, gradually clearing from the south this afternoon, not clearing Buller till evening. South to southeasterly winds tend more southwest later this afternoon, from late afternoon southwesterlies start to strengthen along the east coast with gales possible overnight especially about coastal fringes. Temperatures in the mid to high teens along the east coast. Early twenties for the top of the South Island and for North Westland. Parts of North Westland (mainly inland Buller) may even reach into the mid twenties.

Lower South Island

Mostly cloudy for Southland and Otago with a few showers, more so from late morning. Southwesterly winds freshen from this afternoon becoming strong this evening about coastal Otago. South Westland has a mainly sunny day with southwesterly winds. Temperatures in the mid to high teens about Southland and Otago, early to mid twenties for South Westland.

WeatherWatch.co.nz