A frontal system moves over the North Island today bring heavy showers and thunderstorms, mainly in the west. The South Island sees a southwesterly change work it’s way north over the east coast bringing rain then showers.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty

Rain with heavy falls and possible thunderstorms moving in this morning, easing to showers early afternoon as gusty northwesterlies change westerly. As westerly winds come through expect strong winds about exposed coastal areas in the west. Showers then mostly clear by evening although about eastern Bay Of Plenty heavy showers and thunderstorms may not ease till in the evening then gradually clearing.

Highs: 17-19

Western North Island (including Central North Island)

In the morning expect rain with heavy falls and thunderstorms for some as brisk northwesterly winds change westerly, westerlies will be strong in coastal areas with gales likely at times. Rain eases to showers around midday. Showers clear most places in the evening.

Highs: 15-17

Eastern North Island

Cloudy with gusty north to northwesterly winds, areas of rain moving in from the west late morning or midday. Rain then clearing by late afternoon as winds change gusty westerly.

Highs: 19-22

Wellington

Some rain (possibly heavy) then mostly clearing in the afternoon, gusty northwesterly winds change southerly later in the day.

High: 16

Marlborough & Nelson

Spells of rain, possibly heavy in the morning with thunderstorms then clearing away in the afternoon as northwesterlies change southwest. Sunny areas break through after rain clears.

High: 17-19

Canterbury

High cloud and a few sunny areas this morning, northerly winds. The odd shower develops about South Canterbury by midday then this afternoon rain sets in as a gusty southwesterly change develpos. Rain pushes further north as the afternoon wears on, chance of a heavy fall as the change moves through. Rain easing to showers in the evening then clearing for all.

Highs: 15-16

West Coast

Spells of rain with southwesterly winds, easing to showers this afternoon then clearing in the evening.

High: 15

Southland & Otago

Rain develops early this morning with southwesterly winds gradually picking up, chance of a heavy fall or two then easing this afternoon to showers which finally clear by evening.

Highs: 11-12

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz