A strong northwesterly airflow lies over New Zealand today, a front over the North Island moves off to the east during the morning. Another frontal feature moves over the South Island this afternoon and evening coming in from the west and pushing northeastwards.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty

Showers for most with early heavy rain easing about the Bay Of Plenty, a chance of heavy falls / thunderstorms in the afternoon. A few sunny spells possible also otherwise mainly cloudy. Breezy north to northwesterly winds.

Highs: 25-26

Western North Island (including Central North Island)

Early rain (with thunderstorms about Taranaki) eases to showers which continue on and off for much of the day, perhaps a sunny spell here and there also. Showers may reinvigorate and become heavy about parts of the Central North Island in the afternoon. Winds breezy from the northwest.

Highs: 22-27

Eastern North Island

Sunny areas and some cloud, a few showers spreading from the west at times during the day. Winds gusty from the north

Highs: 28-29

Wellington

Any early showers clear then becoming mostly sunny, strong northwesterly winds possibly gusting to gale at times afternoon on wards. Further rain overnight.

High: 23

Marlborough & Nelson

Mostly sunny after any early rain / showers clear, north to northwesterly winds strong at times from afternoon. Later in the evening or overnight a few spots / spells of rain spread from the west for a time.

Highs: 23-25

Canterbury

Any early rain clears away otherwise expect mostly sunny weather with northwesterly winds, northwesterlies strong at times especially inland during the afternoon hours. Far western parts of Canterbury in the ranges can expect rain for much of the day, heavy afternoon on wards and this spreads eastwards into the foothills late afternoon / evening and perhaps briefly further east towards the coast for a time.

Highs: 23-26

West Coast

Areas of rain, heavy at times especially afternoon on wards with possible thunderstorms. Winds gusty from the north or northwest.

Highs: 19-20

Southland & Otago

Any early showers clear to sunny areas, cloud thickens up again from midday however with a few spells of rain then moving in spreading from the west. Winds mostly from the north.

Highs: 17-20

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz