High pressure is increasing and milder winds are returning making for a dry end to the working week.

Temperatures will be above normal across the South Island today and tonight. In fact this afternoon some areas inland will again be over 8 degrees above normal.

Some rain arrives tonight in the south west corner – and on Saturday there will be a surge of wind and rain from a small low that moves in. Gales are possible in some exposed areas overnight/into Saturday.

Today winds are fairly light in many regions.

For more local details refer to your HOURLY forecast at WeatherWatch.co.nz or at www.RuralWeather.co.nz.

Here are the regional forecasts for Friday

Northland, Auckland, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty
A little milder and mainly sunny – just a few cloudy spells in the west. Mostly sunny in Bay of Plenty and south Waikato all day. Winds mostly from the south to south west.
Highs: 19 – 23

Western North Island (including Central North Island)
Westerly quarter winds brings cloudy spells, but dry. Cooler tonight around Central Plateau.
Highs: 16 – 19

Eastern North Island
A mix of sun and cloud but sunnier weather further north. Southerlies for many but westerlies kicking in around Wairarapa
Highs: 18-22

Wellington
Breezy to brisk northerlies with passing clouds.
High: 17 or 18

Marlborough & Nelson
A milder day with a mix of sun and cloud with variable wind directions.
Highs: 21 – 23

Canterbury
Coastal easterlies and inland west to nor west winds developing with a mix of sun and cloud.
Highs: 17-24

West Coast
Mostly cloudy, especially in coastal areas with the chance of showers or drizzle later, otherwise mostly dry. West to North West winds developing gradually
Highs: 17 – 21

Southland & Otago
Often cloudy with showers in Southland, dry or mainly dry elsewhere. Coolest in coastal areas. Westerlies for the most part.
Highs: 14-24

THE MAPS