A strong cold southwest airflow lies over the country today, plenty going on so check out your region below for today’s weather.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty

Showers, some may be heavy with hail then easing this evening, winds brisk to strong from the west or southwest. Further east about the likes of Bay Of Plenty mainly dry conditions are looking likely with some sun.

Highs: 12-15

Western North Island (including Central North Island)

Any remaining showers about clear this morning Palmerston North southwards then mostly sunny, a few showers may move in again this evening however. Winds brisk from the west. Further north expect fairly cloudy skies for much of today with showers, heavy at times with hail especially this afternoon and evening. Some snow about the Central North Island high country, lowering to 500 perhaps 400m by midday. Winds strong from the west or southwest with gales about some coastal areas mainly refering to Taranaki.

Highs: 9-12

Eastern North Island

Showers this morning possibly heavy with hail, snow lowering to 400m in the ranges for a time then clearing by midday with sunny areas increasing. Winds gusty and cold from the southwest.

Highs: 11-13

Wellington

Early showers clear then expect sunny areas and some cloud, gusty southerly winds.

High: 11

Marlborough & Nelson

Any early showers clear then expect mostly sunny weather, gusty southwesterly winds ease a little this evening.

Highs: 12-13

Canterbury

Cloudy areas with cold southwesterlies, strong along the coast with severe gales possible about Banks Peninsula. The odd wintry shower (sleet / hail mix) about and a few snow flurries to 200m clearing away from inland areas by early afternoon. Expect wintry showers on Banks Peninsula for much of today with hail at times, thunderstorms possible this morning too with heavy falls. Snow to 300 perhaps 200m.

High: 10

West Coast

Mostly sunny, expect a cold southwest breeze though. From afternoon the odd shower may move in about Greymouth northwards.

Highs: 11-12

Southland & Otago

Wintry showers with hail, heavy at first this morning with possible thunderstorms for coastal areas then easing this afternoon. Winds strong and gusty from the southwest easing a little this evening. Snow to low levels (possibly near sea level) then lifting to about 300m by evening.

Highs: 5-7

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz