A large strong low moves over New Zealand, especially in the second half of today. Gale force winds, very heavy rain and heavy snow about the South Island high country can be expected.

Wind/rain peaks in the north about now (& next few hours) as the system slides southwards across the country.

Your local forecasts at https://t.co/gb7E1qcpZ3 & https://t.co/D35ySCBYsG update hourly & are most helpful at working out when things will ease or ramp-up where you are. pic.twitter.com/LGkW6NDdue

— WeatherWatch.co.nz (@WeatherWatchNZ) July 11, 2022

#SchoolHolidayActivities:

"Ok first, grab your crayons and let's colour in the North Island…" pic.twitter.com/WVkMWiB7Ga

— WeatherWatch.co.nz (@WeatherWatchNZ) July 11, 2022

Northland, Auckland, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty
Rain, heavy falls about Northland spread elsewhere during the morning, easing to showers by midday as strong to gale northeasterlies change northwest. During the afternoon another burst of heavy showers moves in south of Auckland, mainly about the Waikato and there could be some isolated thunder.
Highs: 17-19

Western North Island (including Central North Island)
Rain, heavy falls possible about Taranaki and the Central North Island. Rain easing in the afternoon to showers as strong easterlies change north to northwest.
Highs: 14-18

Eastern North Island
Rain, possibly heavy for Wairarapa. Rain becomes heavy in the ranges for Hawkes Bay and Gisborne in the afternoon pushing in from the west. Late afternoon northeasterly winds (strong to gale about the coast) change northwest then rain clears. Another burst of rain moves into Wairarapa around midnight with a strong southwest change.
Highs: 16-19

Wellington
Rain with heavy falls in the morning, easing around midday to showers as strong easterlies change to the north. Winds change gusty westerly later in the evening with another burst of rain moving through.
Highs: 14-16

Marlborough & Nelson
Heavy rain, torrential falls possible, easing in the afternoon to showers as strong southeasterlies ease. Heavy snow stays above about 800 or 900m then eases as rain eases.
Highs: 10-14

Canterbury
Rain with heavy falls developing in the morning, easterly winds strengthen then changing strong southwest late afternoon, gale to severe gale winds developing along the coast especially Banks Peninsula later in the day and overnight. Snow with heavy falls to 500m south of Banks Peninsula, 700m for northern parts of North Canterbury.
Highs: 2-11

West Coast
South Westland is dry but expect high cloud, rain further north with a chance of heavy falls especially Buller then starting to ease from afternoon. Southerly quarter winds, gusty north of Hokitika.
Highs: 10-14

Southland & Otago
Morning sun possible otherwise mostly cloudy, drizzle or showers for coastal and north Otago spread southwards more into the region during the afternoon. Rain moves in during the afternoon Otago Peninsula northwards and may become heavy. Spits or showers finally reach Southland later in the day. Snow to 500m. Fresh easterlies.
Highs: 5-10