Despite a large low pressure centre over the Tasman, the nation’s weather will remain settled today.

Mainly sunny skies are expected over the North Island today.  Even in the Waikato, where things are starting off a bit foggy today, it will end up being a day of plentiful sunshine and fairly light winds.  Gisborne and Hawkes Bay residents are likely to find clouds and a few showers this morning, but those will clear before lunch time.

The South Island will also see plenty of sunshine, although there are likely to be some cloudy periods along the coasts.

But that big Tasman low is keen to unsettle our weather for this weekend.

The northern sections of the North Island will see showers move in during the day tomorrow.  After sunset, much of the northern and western sections of the island should be seeing rain and some of it could be heavy.  The best chances for heavy rain will be about Northland and Auckland.

The rain continues to spread south and east during the overnight hours Saturday into Sunday.  Bay of Plenty through Taranaki will have the best chance for rain early on Sunday.  Heavy rain will be possible in these areas as well.  A few thunderstorms can’t be ruled out either.

Rain chances will continue to spread south and east.  The lower North Island and upper South Island should be seeing rain by sunrise Sunday.

Homepage image/  Zelda Wynn

By WeatherWatch Analyst Howard Joseph