Rain chances will be going up across northern and western parts of the country.  The best chances for rain will be found about the western regions of the South Island.

During the afternoon, southern Westland through to Fiordland will run the highest risk for precipitation.  After sunset, rain will like be found about the entire western side of the Mainland.

Another region that will likely see precipitation today is Northland.  Light showers are likely to show up from time to time this morning and this afternoon.  Tonight, the shower activity will increase, especially north of Whangarei.

One more area that may see a patch of showers develop today is Bay of Plenty.  Chances here are small, but keep an umbrella handy just in case.

The driving force behind much of the incoming precipitation is a potent front that will be around for a couple of days.  Tomorrow, that front will bring more widespread rain to the country and spark some brief heavy rain about the western sections of the South Island.  Heavy rain will also be possible on the North Island from Northland south to southern Waikato.

Homepage image/ Rebecca Downes

By WeatherWatch.co.nz Analyst Howard Joseph