Expect plenty of rain across much of the country today.  A front will move across New Zealand and be the focus for the rainfall.

The majority of the rain this morning will fall about the central part of the country.  A few showers are also going to show up about the deep south.  As we get into the late morning and afternoon hours, we will see the focus for the rain shift mainly onto the North Island.

There is a threat for heavy rain about the North Island this afternoon and this evening.  Heavy rain will be possible from Auckland south through the Waikato and then east to eastern Bay of Plenty and Gisborne.  That means Auckland and Hamilton could see heavy rain late tomorrow.  The best chance for heavy rain will be a bit further south in places like Te Awamutu and Rotorua.

Strong winds will also be possible today.  The best chance for that will be about Wellington, Wairarapa and the Kapiti Coast where severe gales are possible this morning.

While the focus for rain will shift to the NI this afternoon, showers are expected to continue along the western regions of the Mainland this afternoon.  The deep south will also likely see a few showers into the late afternoon hours.

About the only part of the country that is expected to stay dry today is eastern Canterbury.  But even here there is still a low risk for showers.

-WeatherWatch.co.nz