A westerly airflow lies over the country today, mainly dry in the east with mostly sunny conditions. Showers more likely for western areas especially the South Island’s West Coast. Cold for Southland and Central Otago especially in the west with low level snow flurries.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty

Areas of cloud with westerly winds, chance of a shower or two more likely afternoon onwards.

High: 15-17

Western North Island (including Central North Island)

Cloudy areas with brisk westerly winds, the odd shower possible at times otherwise mainly dry. Later in the evening areas of rain move in possibly heavy.

Highs: 12-14

Eastern North Island

Sunny areas and some high cloud, west to northwesterly winds. A few spots of rain may spread into the Wairarapa.

Highs: 17-18

Wellington

Sunny areas and some cloud with breezy west to northwesterly winds, a few brief showers possible at times.

Highs: 12-13

Marlborough & Nelson

Mostly sunny with breezy west to northwesterly winds, some late high cloud.

Highs: 13-14

Canterbury

Sunny with light winds for most tending northwesterly inland.

Highs: 11-12

West Coast

Showers, possibly heavy at times with hail. Snow to 400 / 300m about most areas, down to 200m for Fiordland with heavy falls there then clearing in the evening. Breezy westerly winds.

Highs: 7-9

Southland & Otago

Wintry showers, heavy at times with hail. Breezy westerlies tending a little more southwest around midday then mostly clearing in the evening. Snow flurries to 200m in the morning lowering to near sea level in the evening. Coastal Otago stays mostly sunny during the day but a few showers may sneak up to about Otago Peninsula late afternoon / evening.

Highs: 5-8

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz