Some spectacular sunrises occurred this morning over parts of New Zealand as high cloud thickened during sunrise, giving off a wonderful display.

It also heralds a milder day with northwesterlies expected to become strong in many areas and an increase in temperatures is expected too.

Daytime highs are expected to top the mid to high teens as the fohn wind takes hold. Some inland areas may see gales exceed 100 kph at times with brief rain possible in the far south but heavier falls are expected on the west coast of the mainland.

These conditions are likely to last over much of the country for the next day or two and the it’s first strong nor’ west flow in recent weeks.