Before we get into the forecast for today it must be noted that anywhere from Northland through to the Waikato and Bay Of Plenty may be in for some reasonably serious rain today, especially eastern parts of these regions. It would be wise if in any of these regions to keep up to date with the latest warnings from Metservice.

A brisk to strong easterly quarter wind flow lies over the North Island today while a ridge of high pressure covers the South Island extending out from an anticyclone east of New Zealand.

A moist warm front within the easterly airflow over the upper North Island brings rain with heavy falls to Northland and Auckland today especially in the east, rain may not pick up about the Waikato and Bay Of Plenty till afternoon then becoming heavy in these regions by evening. Rain pushes southwards to about Taranaki across to Hawkes Bay during the evening, chance of a heavy fall here overnight.

Rain eases overnight for Northland and Auckland, but still continues.

For the lower North Island expect plenty of thick high cloud with northeasterly winds, areas of rain push in overnight. There is the chance of a heavy fall or two for some parts of the lower North Island by dawn on Saturday however the front will have weakened somewhat compared to what it was during Friday over Northland and Auckland.

The South Island is a tale of two halves but it’s looking dry for most. High cloud thickens over the upper South Island then some rain moves in overnight for Nelson and Marlborough, winds generally onshore for most during the day. Southland and Otago have a great day with sun and light winds, tending onshore in the afternoon for coastal areas.

WeatherWatch.co.nz