A strong northwesterly airflow lies over New Zealand today, a cold change moves onto the lower South Island this morning reaching the upper South Island in the evening and stalling for a time.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty
Mostly cloudy with the odd shower, mainly about the Waikato and Bay Of Plenty. Some sun at times Auckland northwards with the risk of a shower late afternoon / evening.
Highs: 20-23

Western North Island (including Central North Island)
Mostly cloudy with occasional showers, long dry periods at times too. North to northwesterly winds.
Highs: 19-23

Eastern North Island
Sunny areas and increasing high cloud, northwesterly winds.
Highs: 26-29

Wellington
Cloudy with the odd shower, strong northwesterlies with gales likely by afternoon.
High: 16-17

Marlborough & Nelson
Cloudy with showers or areas of rain, more so about Nelson with only the odd shower spreading into coastal Marlborough at times. Overnight rain for all. Northwesterly winds becoming strong with a risk of gales from afternoon.
Highs: 19-23

Canterbury
Plenty of high cloud, northerly winds strong at times especially for North Canterbury where gales move in from time to time. Late afternoon or evening southerlies freshen bringing thickening cloud then rain.
Highs: 24-26

West Coast
Rain with heavy falls, possibly torrential for a time then easing in the evening as breezy northerlies change southwest.
Highs: 16-17

Southland & Otago
Rain, easing to showers in the afternoon, only a few stragglers hanging on through evening. West to southwesterly winds.
Highs: 12-14

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz