Conditions are very slowly improving along the east coast of New Zealand ahead of more Guy Fawkes celebrations tonight.

Last night a number of main centres were affected by strong, cold, winds and rain or showers – but tonight things are settling down.

Strong, cold, southerlies in Wellington havn’t eased much but should ease further after dark.

In Christchurch clouds are breaking up but the strong southerly also remains – but should ease further this evening as well.  Christchurch will be dry this evening.

Elsewhere gusty southerlies will ease this evening for most of New Zealand however eastern parts of the North Island from Wairarapa to Gisborne are likely to remain windy and cloudy – but mostly dry.