A blustery northwesterly airflow lies over New Zealand today with a series of front slowly moving northwards over the country during the day.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty
Mostly sunny to start then some cloud develops by midday, chance of a shower at times from afternoon otherwise mainly dry. Northwesterly winds.
Highs: 19-21

Western North Island (including Central North Island)
Mostly cloudy with a few showers, rain for Taranaki. Evening rain may be heavy with a chance of thunderstorms. Breezy north to northwesterly winds.
Highs: 15-19

Eastern North Island
Sunny areas and increasing high cloud, spots of rain spread into Wairarapa at times. North to northwesterly winds, gusty at times about Wairarapa.
Highs: 19-21

Wellington
The odd shower then rain from late afternoon, possibly heavy. Strong to gale northwesterly winds.
High: 17

Marlborough & Nelson
Mostly cloudy, some rain, especially from afternoon with heavy falls about the northwest Nelson ranges and the Sounds. Gusty north to northwesterly winds.
Highs: 16-19

Canterbury
Thick high cloud, spots of rain possible at times especially afternoon. Heavy rain with torrential falls possible about the high country then easing later in the evening. Breezy north to northwesterly winds, gusty at times especially inland.
Highs: 18-20

West Coast
Rain with heavy falls and possible thunderstorms, torrential falls possible in the ranges, easing evening. Gusty northwesterly winds.
Highs: 14-16

Southland & Otago
Showers, clearing later in the evening or overnight. Coastal Otago has some morning sun then a few showers from afternoon, clearing at night. Northwesterlies tend more westerly in the afternoon.
Highs: 11-15

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz