A large low deepens in the Tasman Sea today bringing unsettled weather to the South Island, heavy rain for the West Coast. A northwesterly airflow lies over the North Island with a front pushing in from the west overnight. Fridays Tasman low passes over the South Island on Saturday, weakening as it moves eastwards.

A mix of sun and increasing cloud for the western North Island today, the odd shower at times from Taranaki down through to Kapiti. Overnight rain or showers for all. Dry for most of the east coast with northwesterlies, spots of rain may spread into Wairarapa at times. Heavy rain for the West Coast of the South Island especially late afternoon / evening then easing overnight. Scattered rain or drizzle spreads into eastern areas at times. Southland stays mainly dry till later this evening.

Rain or showers for western parts of New Zealand eases during Saturday, only the odd shower and long dry spells once evening arrives. Eastern New Zealand stays drier however rain moves through Wairarapa and perhaps southern Hawkes Bay till late afternoon. Expect the odd shower for Southland and Otago but many long dry periods and some sun too.

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz