The North Island is seeing drier conditions settle in but still a shower or two is popping up here and there across the northeast.

A rainband or a burst of widespread showers still looms about the Bay of Plenty but elsewhere showers are only isolated and patchy.

The South Island is mostly clear of any showers with a tiny isolated about the south and west coast with one or two dotted just off Kaikoura.

Temperatures over the South Island are still cool and likely to remain that way with a feel of Autumn in the air.

Winds are breeziest about exposed areas of the North Island and warmest temperatures are the regions mainly in the centre, north and west that are sheltered.

Auckland still has a chance of seeing a shower after one or two appeared this morning but generally partly cloudy skies are likely with temperatures in the low twenties.

Wellington is crisp and that’s expected to remain that way with southerly winds continuing to slacken off.

Christchurch is dry with some cloud clearing and remaining a little nippy but not too much wind is expected.

Dunedin is also experiencing the autumnal feel and after a nippy start is enjoying a pretty good Wednesday afternoon.

Tonight should see temperatures drop to below late March levels over the South Island and even lower, central and eastern areas of the North Island should see the mercury dip to about 3-4 degrees below the March average.

Winter cold and silt a poor mix

Many Christchurch homes are sitting on top of a health time bomb that could make occupants seriously sick over a chilly Canterbury winter.

Liquefied silt under the houses, left by the February 2011 earthquake, is causing floorboards to rot, and mould and mushrooms to sprout in the walls – and residents are reporting respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchiolitis, along with other conditions.

Christchurch medical officer of health Dr Alistair Humphrey said those living in such houses could suffer an array of illnesses, from breathing difficulties to allergic reactions.

WeatherWatch