More heavy rain is in the forecast for parts of NZ today, this time it’s the lower eastern side of the North Island most exposed (Wairarapa and Hawke’s Bay). There could be 50 to 70mm across this area.

Low pressure over the North Island mean wind directions will move around a bit with showers elsewhere across the island.

This low pressure is also a mixing ground for warm and cool air – and a few thunderstorms can also be expected this afternoon anywhere in the upper half of the North Island.

It’s also several degrees cooler than normal today along a large part of the eastern South Island and the lower half of the North Island. The rest of the North Island has normal temperatures today, after several days of above normal.

The West Coast will be sunniest today, especially from Greymouth southwards – with temperatures also leaning above normal there.

To make sense of today’s set up please see your local Hourly forecasts or visit www.RuralWeather.co.nz