A deep and intense low moves from west to east over the North Island during today, winds ahead of this low are strong from the northerly quarter then swinging around to the westerly quarter as the day moves along. Very strong southerlies move into the lower North Island from evening. The South Island sees southerly quarter winds strengthen later today in the east.

For the North Island today pretty much all regions can expect rain or showers at some point. Heavy falls are likely also, mainly about the upper North Island this morning then easing in areas across this afternoon and evening.

The Lower North Island sees some heavy rain from around midday, mainly to start in the west then spreading elsewhere this afternoon before easing this evening or overnight. The exceptions are Gisborne and Hawkes Bay, more so northern Hawkes Bay. These regions are fairly dry after early morning rain clears, it’s not till overnight does further rain move in.

For the South Island we see showers or areas of rain in the north and east, rain about Canterbury may be heavy although this is more likely about inland areas then easing later this evening. Rain about North Canterbury may ease this afternoon after a burst of rain this morning. Nelson and Marlborough sees rain clear this evening, south of the Wairau Valley rain may continue overnight however.

Southland and Otago are only likely to see patchy shower activity today, parts of North Otago may see some rain for a time. North Westland has showers at times crossing over from the east, gradually clearing this afternoon. Showers clear Buller this evening.

WeatherWatch.co.nz

Image – Friday 05th January 1pm MSLP / Rain map – weathermap.co.nz