A westerly airflow lies over New Zealand today, a warm front passes over the lower South Island in the afternoon then a cold front follows closely behind mainly moving northwards up the West Coast of the South Island.

RainWatch is a series during the weekdays, giving a snapshot about where around New Zealand areas of precipitation may affect your day.

Chance of a shower or two during the day about the upper North Island in the west however overall mainly dry conditions prevail.

The lower North Island in the west has a slightly higher risk of a shower or two spread out across today, expect plenty of dry periods but the odd shower must be considered a possibility. The shower risk increases overnight.

Cloudy for the West Coast of the South Island, expect the odd shower then rain moves into South Westland around midday then gradually pushes northwards to reach Buller in the evening. Rain may be heavy at times then eases overnight for all.

From Southland through to Canterbury in the east expect a few spots / spells of rain spreading across from the west late afternoon / early evening then clearing away. Mainly dry otherwise.

WeatherWatch.co.nz

Image – Monday 4pm, 9th January 2017 rain / MSLP map – weathermap.co.nz