A front moves across the North Island today moving west to east while at the other end of the country a cold southwest change pushes into Southland and Otago this morning then into Canterbury late afternoon / evening.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty

Cloudy with rain developing mid to late morning, increasing northerly winds change southwest late afternoon or evening with rain easing to showers. Winds from Northland through to Auckland and perhaps northern parts of the Waikato becoming quite strong from the southwest in the evening with gales in exposed areas especially out west.

Highs: 15-16

Western North Island (including Central North Island)

Mostly cloudy with some patchy rain from morning about northern Taranaki and elsewhere from afternoon, rain more persistent in the evening for all. North to northwesterly winds change southeasterly later in the evening or overnight with rain then clearing.

Highs: 13-16

Eastern North Island

Thick high cloud from morning with northwesterly winds, rain moves in later in the evening or overnight as a strong southerly change moves in.

Highs: 18-19

Wellington

Patchy showers then some evening rain as brisk northerly winds change strong southerly.

High: 13

Marlborough & Nelson

Cloudy with spells of rain at times from morning, easing in the afternoon. Winds gusty from the northwest. Later in the evening winds change southerly with rain clearing.

Highs: 15-17

Canterbury

Thick high cloud with any early spots of rain clearing, northwesterly winds inland and lighter winds near the coast. Mid to late afternoon winds change southwest with showers and some snow to 400m which clear overnight.

Highs: 16-17

West Coast

Early rain possibly heavy then easing to showers during the morning, northerly winds change southwest in the afternoon and sunny areas break through.

Highs: 12-13

Southland & Otago

Cloudy with rain developing during the morning as a southwest change pushes in, rain eases to showers in the afternoon with some snow lowering to 400m for a time then clearing by early evening for most. A few showers continue to hang about coastal Southland and the Catlins area overnight.

Highs: 9-12

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz