A ridge hangs over New Zealand today however not all is settled, high moisture may lead to afternoon heavy showers about central North Island regions and a frontal feature over the South Island brings some rain in the west. A series of fronts lies over the country on Friday, connecting these fronts is an area of low pressure to the south of New Zealand and Tropical Cyclone Oma well to the north.

Showers and sunny spells for most North Island regions today, showers may become heavy late afternoon for some inland areas then easing in the evening. Rain or showers for the West Coast of the South Island for much of the day, mainly dry elsewhere however there may be an isolated shower or two about Otago in the afternoon.

Rain or showers for the western North Island on Friday, rain may become heavy later in the evening for some areas. Thick high cloud in the east, a few spots of rain possible mainly about Wairarapa. Morning rain may be heavy for the West Coast of the South Island then easing, morning rain or showers for Southland and Otago then sunny spells develop. Nelson and Marlborough sees a few showers from afternoon. Canterbury has a mainly dry day but there could be a shower from afternoon as northwest winds change southerly.

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz