A gusty cold southerly airflow lies over New Zealand today, easing from the south as a ridge of high pressure starts to build over the lower South Island.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty
A few showers Auckland northwards clearing this morning then sunny areas increase, mostly sunny elsewhere after any morning cloud breaks away. Southerly winds.
Highs: 12-14

Western North Island (including Central North Island)
Showers at times, a surge this afternoon may bring an increase in shower activity to the Manawatu and
Central North Island areas for a time. Some snow to 500m. Fresh cold southerly winds.
Highs: 6-11

Eastern North Island
Showers, mainly about eastern coastal fringes then becoming widespread this afternoon with heavy falls possible, easing this evening. Some snow to 500 or possibly 400m. Fresh cold southwesterly winds.
Highs: 10-11

Wellington
Showers, heavy this morning with possible hail then easing from afternoon. Snow flurries possible to 400m. Strong southerly winds gusting to gale force through Cook Strait.
High: 10

Marlborough & Nelson
Sunny weather for Nelson, Marlborough sees any morning showers with snow flurries to 400m clearing then some sun breaks through this afternoon. Fresh cold southerly winds.
Highs: 9-12

Canterbury
Showers ease, clearing in the evening for most although a few showers may linger about the coast Banks Peninsula northwards overnight. A few snow flurries to 300m, fresh cold southwesterly winds.
Highs: 7-9

West Coast
Sunny with southeasterly winds.
Highs: 8-12

Southland & Otago
Morning cloud with a few remaining showers then cloud breaking to sun this afternoon. Becoming frosty overnight for inland areas. Cool southerly winds.
Highs: 7-9

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz