Rain is finally in the forecast for dry eastern areas of the South Island as the same low that brought rain to the North Island slowly drifts across the country and out in to the Pacific Ocean.

The low is taking its time though and will only slowly drift across central New Zealand taking at least another two days to do so.

This means more heavy showers and thunderstorms for the North Island today and heavy showers possibly tomorrow, then the low will be in the Pacific Ocean, which means a change to south easterlies for many areas.

Cantabrians can expect rain to become heavier later today however there are no signs of the dramatic thunderstorms that North Islanders have seen.

For east coasters of the South Island the wind direction means it will be cold with highs of just 10 to 12 degrees for many.

The cold weather is expected to stick around for a few days before a high moves back in mid to late next week.  This will being cold nights but should see warmer days.

Photo:  Mandeno Moments