A southerly airflow lies over New Zealand today, a cold unstable pool of air moves over the North Island today bringing heavy showers, thunderstorms and possible hail for some. A few parts of the upper North Island may catch this activity also.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty

The odd shower about, some may be heavy with thunderstorms from afternoon through to evening for the Waikato and then the Bay Of Plenty respectively. Thunderstorms could contain hail, easing for most later in the evening. Overnight Auckland could see a spell of heavy showers move through. Breezy Sou’West winds for Northland and Auckland, lighter winds further south tending southerly by evening.

Highs: 18-19

Western North Island (including Central North Island)

Showers, some may be heavy with possible thunderstorms  and hail mid to late morning about the Manawatu then Taranaki and Central North Island in the afternoon as light winds change southeasterly. Showers ease for most in the evening then clearing away.

Highs: 14-16

Eastern North Island

Showers, some may be heavy in the afternoon about Hawkes Bay and Gisborne then easing in the evening. Cool southerly winds.

Highs: 15-16

Wellington

Mostly cloudy with the odd shower, southerly winds becoming brisk in the afternoon.

High: 13

Marlborough & Nelson

A few morning showers then clearing away, cloud breaks to some sun in the afternoon. In the afternoon isolated showers may develop about the northwest Nelson ranges area bringing the chance of a heavy downpour and possible thunderstorm before clearing in the evening. Cool southeasterly winds.

Highs: 17-18

Canterbury

Showers, some of which may be heavy with thunderstorms and hail about Banks Peninsula in the morning then easing in the afternoon and gradually clearing. Some sun then perhaps making an appearance. Cold southwesterly winds ease later in the day.

High: 15

West Coast

Mostly sunny with southerly winds, a few isolated showers may get going late afternoon / evening about Buller any of which then clear away.

Highs: 17-18

Southland & Otago

Sunny areas about Southland, mostly sunny for Central Otago. A few morning showers clear coastal Otago then expect afternoon sun with cool southwesterly winds.

Highs: 14-18

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz