A front passes from west to east over the country today, arriving about eastern regions late afternoon or evening. A northwesterly airflow builds on Saturday bringing warm temperatures for eastern regions, a front moves onto the lower South Island in the evening then pushes northwards overnight.

A mainly dry start for western New Zealand today then rain develops towards midday, becoming heavy for some with thunderstorms possible then easing in the evening as northerlies change northwest or westerly. High cloud for eastern regions, a few spots of rain late afternoon or evening as a front passes over, northeasterly winds tend north to northwest later in the day.

Some cloud and the risk of a shower for the western North Island on Saturday, showers more likely Taranaki southwards. Dry in the east with some developing high cloud. Rain or showers for the West Coast of the South Island, becoming heavy about South Westland around midday with a chance of thunderstorms then further north in the evening. Mainly dry out east with some developing high cloud, temperatures will be quite warm for the time of year getting into the high teens. Rain moves into Southland / Central Otago in the evening, moving into other parts of Otago and Canterbury overnight.

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz