A low pressure system moves towards central New Zealand today swinging a front over the North Island this afternoon and evening. Meanwhile the South Island sits under a weak ridge of high pressure although a light southerly airflow develops by evening.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty
Cloudy with the odd shower, rain from late morning heavy at times with possible thunderstorms (thunderstorms mainly Northland and Auckland) then easing back to showers in the evening as gusty northerly winds change westerly. Rain may not ease about the Bay Of Plenty till overnight.

Highs: 16-19

Western North Island (including Central North Island)

Areas of rain, heavy at times with Northerly winds, strong for Taranaki especially in the north.

Highs: 15-16

Eastern North Island

Thick high cloud, some rain spreads from the west at times late morning onwards. Gusty northerly winds.

Highs: 18-19

Wellington

Rain, possibly heavy. Northerlies change southerly in the afternoon.

High: 15

Marlborough & Nelson

Areas of rain or showers, northerlies ease in the afternoon.

Highs: 14-16

Canterbury

Morning high cloud breaks away to sunny spells, light winds tend southerly by midday. Cloud may thickens towards evening with a drizzle patch or two about inland areas (mainly South and Mid Canterbury).

Highs: 15-17

West Coast

Sunny spells with light winds, early showers about South Westland clear away.

High: 14

Southland & Otago

Some morning sun then cloud thickens in the afternoon with light southerlies, chance of a light shower late afternoon / evening.

Highs: 13-16

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz