Clouds increase across New Zealand today as a large but fairly weak Tasman Sea low drifts in.

Winds will rise from the N to NE this afternoon in the upper North Island with gusts to gale force later, or overnight, in the most exposed areas.

Drizzle patches and showers will develop in the north today – turning to rain later or overnight with a few isolated heavy falls.

Rain moves into the upper South Island tonight with heavy falls in the ranges.

Most of the North Island has rain by tonight and overnight, along with the upper South Island.