A strong northerly airflow lies over New Zealand today. A front moving in a west to east fashion hits the lower South Island this morning, upper South Island in the afternoon then western North Island this evening. Winds change westerly once the front passes through.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty
Cloudy areas, may be a shower. Rain moves into Northland early evening then spreading elsewhere by midnight. Northeasterly winds freshen.
Highs: 13-15

Western North Island (including Central North Island)
Cloudy areas about northern Taranaki, the Central North Island and Kapiti with northerly winds, blustery about the coast. Areas of sun elsewhere with increasing high cloud. The odd shower about northern Taranaki at times then later in the evening / overnight rain moves into most areas pushing in from the west.
Highs: 8-14

Eastern North Island
Mostly sunny with high cloud increasing from afternoon, overnight spots of rain. Northeasterly winds.
Highs: 13-14

Wellington
Increasing cloud, patchy rain develops in the evening. Gusty northerly winds with gales through Cook Strait.
High: 12

Marlborough & Nelson
Thick high cloud for Marlborough, chance shower spreading from the west at times otherwise mainly dry. Later in the evening expect some rain. Nelson has showers develop in the morning, expect evening rain with heavy falls possible then clearing overnight. Gusty northerlies.
Highs: 12-13

Canterbury
High cloud, late afternoon / evening spots of rain possible. Heavy rain develops about the high country in the afternoon then eases evening. Breezy northeasterly winds.
Highs: 12-14

West Coast
Showers, heavy rain about South Westland spreads into North Westland around midday. Rain eases in the evening as strong northeasterlies change southwest.
Highs: 9-12

Southland & Otago
Morning rain then afternoon sun / possible showers for Southland as northeasterly winds tend northwest. Central Otago has a cloudy morning with some rain developing, especially in the west, rain clears in the afternoon and sun breaks through. Coastal Otago has a dry morning with high cloud, afternoon spots of rain as northerlies ease.
Highs: 10-12

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz