A ridge weakens over New Zealand today with northerlies increasing over the South Island, easterly quarter winds tend to the north later in the day or overnight for the North Island.

North Island

Mostly cloudy for Northland and Auckland this morning, the odd shower about eastern parts spreads elsewhere by afternoon. Sun breaks through at times this afternoon. Easterlies tend to the northeast by evening. Mostly cloudy about Bay Of Plenty, the odd shower especially in the west. Mostly cloudy about the Waikato, the odd shower from midday. Mostly cloudy along the east coast (Gisborne to Wairarapa), showers for Hawkes Bay and Gisborne, clearing Hawkes Bay by evening.

Morning sun for Taranaki through to Wellington, cloud gradually increases from afternoon at which point there may be a light shower otherwise mainly dry. A higher risk of showers overnight. North to northeasterly winds.

South Island

Cloudy for the West Coast with some rain, becoming heavy about South Westland by midday. Heavy falls spread further northwards overnight. Mostly sunny about Nelson with increasing high cloud, mid level cloud thickens in the evening with the odd shower then rain overnight. Sunny areas and increasing high cloud about Canterbury / Marlborough, spots of rain possible overnight (rain overnight in the high country).

Thickening high cloud about Southland / Otago, rain moves into Central Otago in the afternoon spreading from the west. Scattered rain moves into Southland in the evening. Northeasterly winds about coastal parts, northerly winds for inland areas.

Today’s Max temperatures shown in the map below. With the more northerly quarter airflow moving in warmer than average temperatures can be expected for most.

WeatherWatch.co.nz