A ridge of high pressure pushes over the South Island early in the morning on Friday then gradually spreads onto the North Island later in the day.

Morning rain for the eastern North Island eases to showers then gradually clearing away in the evening on Friday, mainly sunny elsewhere.

The South Island has a sunny day also, just some morning cloud in the northeast then clearing. Also a frosty start for some inland areas, especially Central Otago.

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz