Strengthening nor’west winds build over the North Island today with heavy rain on the western side, driest in the east. A late colder change in the south.

NORTH ISLAND:
Rain in the south west corner up to about Taranaki. Showers elsewhere in the west but dry in the east although there should be some spillover into Wairarapa. Gales in exposed places from the NW with blustery winds developing elsewhere. In the evening or overnight that main western rain band moves across the North Island. Warmer than average for most, especially the east.
Highs: 14 to 21

SOUTH ISLAND:
Rain, becoming heavy on the West Coast – watch for possible slips and flooding. Some spillover into the eastern side but those most east/near the coast will be the driest. Northerly quarter winds, mainly NW, may be gale around Cook Strait. Coldest around Queenstown.
Highs: 6 to 16 

– WeatherWatch.co.nz