Anticyclonic conditions for most of New Zealand today mean the weather is starting to become quite settled and areas of sun are finally breaking through for many. However, some residual surface moisture and afternoon heating plus relatively cold air aloft leads to a chance of thunderstorms this afternoon for some inland North Island areas.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty
Isolated showers and dry spells / some sun, showers may become heavy in the afternoon about inland areas with thunderstorms then clearing in the evening. Shower activity is more likely north and south of Auckland rather than about the Auckland CBD. For the Bay Of Plenty any shower activity is more likely to be further inland away from the coast. Light winds.
Highs: 22-27

Western North Island (including Central North Island)
Mostly sunny, some cloud builds about inland hills / ranges from midday (mainly in the east) bringing the chance of an isolated shower late afternoon / evening. Light winds tend south to southwest in the afternoon.
Highs: 22-26

Eastern North Island
Any early cloud breaks to mostly sunny weather, some cloud builds about inland hills / ranges from midday bringing isolated showers late afternoon / evening. Showers may become heavy with thunderstorms then easing later on. Light winds tend easterly in the afternoon.
Highs: 21-24

Wellington
Early cloud breaks then mostly sunny, southerly winds.
High: 21

Marlborough & Nelson
Mostly sunny, some cloud builds about inland hills / ranges from midday bringing the chance of an isolated shower late afternoon / evening. Light winds tend east to northeast in the afternoon.
Highs: 19-22

Canterbury
Mostly sunny, some cloud builds about inland hills / ranges from midday bringing the chance of an isolated shower late afternoon / evening. Light southerlies tend to the east by evening.
Highs: 19-22

West Coast
Mostly sunny, some cloud builds about the ranges in the afternoon bringing the risk of an isolated shower or two later in the day. Maybe the low risk of a heavy fall / thunderstorm about inland Buller. Light winds tend west to southwest around midday.
Highs: 21-27

Southland & Otago
Any morning cloud clears then mostly sunny, south to southwesterly winds.
Highs: 18-26

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz