An unsettled westerly quarter airflow brings wet weather in the west today with drier conditions out east, however a small low sitting east of the South Island encourages a southwest change to push northwards bringing rain or showers through into Canterbury by evening.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty
Showers, some may be heavy especially late afternoon / evening, hail possible this evening Auckland southwards. Gusty west to northwesterly winds.
Highs: 14-17

Western North Island (including Central North Island)
Showers or areas of rain, heavy at times. Winds will be breezy from the northwest, strong at times for some coastal areas. Thunderstorms and hail are also possible. Snow lowering to 1000m this morning about the Central Plateau, 700m by evening.
Highs: 8-14

Eastern North Island
A mix of sun and cloud, the odd spot of rain may spread from the west at times (early morning may see more persistent rain then clearing), winds gusty from the northwest.
Highs: 14-17

Wellington
Showers, some may be heavy with hail then easing in the evening. Strong to gale northwesterly winds ease from afternoon.
High: 12

Marlborough & Nelson
Strong northwesterly winds with showers, possibly heavy this morning for Nelson with hail. Conditions becoming drier this afternoon about Marlborough with winds easing a little. Showers continue for Nelson through till evening.
Highs: 11-13

Canterbury
High cloud, gusty northwesterly winds for North Canterbury. Rain develops this morning about South Canterbury then pushing northwards this evening with freshening southwesterlies.
Highs: 10-14

West Coast
Heavy rain this morning with possible thunderstorms and hail then easing this afternoon. Fresh westerlies ease.
Highs: 10-12

Southland & Otago
Dry this morning for Southland then showers develop this afternoon. Rain develops about Otago this morning then eases this afternoon to the odd shower. Cold southwesterly winds.
Highs: 5-10

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz