A front moves towards New Zealand today hitting Northland first this morning then gradually spreading eastwards over the North Island during the day. The front also moves onto the South Island’s West Coast and upper half of the Island late afternoon / evening.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty

Rain developing in the morning about Northland and becoming heavy then spreading southwards late morning / early afternoon, easing to squally showers and a risk of thunder in the west late afternoon as strong northeast winds change gusty northwest. Showers ease to an extent overnight however a thunderstorm risk with squally falls becomes more likely overnight for a time about Bay Of Plenty especially eastern Bay Of Plenty / west East Cape.

Highs: 17-20

Western North Island (including Central North Island)

A few sunny areas at first but cloud quickly thickens, some rain moves in early to mid afternoon (heavy about northeastern parts of the Central North Island) then as northeasterlies change gusty northwest later in the evening rain may become squally with a chance of heavy falls and thunder.

Highs: 14-16

Eastern North Island

Some early sun then expect high cloud to increase from morning, scattered rain moves in late afternoon then clears late evening as northeasterly winds change northwest.

High: 16

Wellington

Sunny areas and increasing cloud, some rain from evening. Northerly winds.

High: 14

Marlborough & Nelson

High cloud thickens from morning, there may be a spot of sun first thing in the day. Rain develops about Nelson late afternoon or evening then spreading into Marlborough later in the evening. Northerly winds.

High: 14

Canterbury

Sunny areas and increasing high cloud, few spots of rain from evening. Light northeasterly winds, perhaps becoming a littler breezier later in the day near the coast.

High: 12

West Coast

Becoming cloudy in the morning, drizzle or the odd spit from midday then rain from evening, possibly heavy. East to northeasterly winds.

Highs: 12-14

Southland & Otago

Mostly sunny with high cloud increasing from afternoon, east to northeasterly winds pick up later in the day.

Highs: 10-12

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz