A low crosses over the country today moving in a west to east fashion letting in a strong cold southerly airflow which pushes northwards over both Islands during the day.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty
Showers move in during the morning with heavy falls possible then easing in the afternoon. Rain may be heavy first thing about the Bay Of Plenty. Northwesterly winds tend gusty Westerly after midday.
Highs: 16-17

Western North Island (including Central North Island)
Early rain eases to showers, some sun may break through. Rain picking up again around midday with heavy falls possible then easing in the evening. Northerlies change southerly later in the day.
Highs: 14

Eastern North Island
Early spots of rain clear, some sun may break through for a time then during the afternoon strong southerly winds push northwards bringing rain. Snow flurries lower to 300m about the ranges of Wairarapa in the evening, 500m about the ranges of Hawkes Bay.
Highs: 15-18

Wellington
Rain, easing to showers in the afternoon. Southerly winds strengthen rising to gale during the afternoon. Snow flurries lower to 300m later in the evening, only just a few flurries to that level with no major issues expected.
High: 11

Marlborough & Nelson
Mostly cloudy with morning showers then dry areas developing, showers continue about southern Marlborough for much of the day with snow flurries lowering to 300m by evening. Gusty southerly winds, strong to gale about the coast and through Cook Strait.
Highs: 11-14

Canterbury
Rain eases to showers in the afternoon. Gusty cold south to southwesterly winds, snow flurries lowering to 200m during the morning.
Highs: 5-8

West Coast
Morning rain eases to showers then clears in the afternoon, sun then breaks through. Gusty southeasterly winds.
Highs: 12-15

Southland & Otago
Showers and small hail, clearing later in the afternoon or evening however a shower or two may hang about coastal Otago overnight. Snow flurries to low levels (200 to 100m). Gusty cold southwesterly winds.
Highs: 7-8

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz