A ridge keeps conditions settled over the North Island today, northwesterlies over the South Island bring hot temperatures in the east and some rain to Fiordland.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty
Mostly sunny with light winds tending northeasterly for the most part, an afternoon sea breeze may develop about some western coastal areas however.
Highs: 26-28

Western North Island (including Central North Island)
A mainly sunny day with light winds tending west to northwest in the afternoon.
Highs: 24-27

Eastern North Island
Sunny and hot with afternoon east to northeasterly winds.
Highs: 26-30

Wellington
Mostly cloudy with brisk north to northwesterly winds.
High: 23

Marlborough & Nelson
Mostly sunny with breezy afternoon northwesterlies for Marlborough. Nelson sees morning cloud with the chance of a shower then becoming mostly sunny in the afternoon with northerlies.
Highs: 24-28

Canterbury
Sunny areas and some high cloud with breezy north to northwesterly winds developing in the afternoon.
Highs: 26-29

West Coast
A few morning showers clear then sunny spells increase, patchy drizzle hangs about Fiordland turning to rain there in the afternoon and becoming heavy. Heavy rain moves northwards overnight. Winds increasing from the northwest.
Highs: 22-24

Southland & Otago
Mostly sunny with some high cloud, rain moves into Southland during the evening. Drier further north with only a spot of rain possible by dawn on Saturday. Northwesterly winds increase.
Highs: 22-26

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz