A strong cold southwesterly airflow covers New Zealand today, easing over the South Island later in the day as a ridge of high pressure starts to push in.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty
Cloudy areas and the odd shower, especially Auckland northwards where showers may be heavy at times with hail. Fresh South to Sou’West winds.
Highs: 14-16

Western North Island (including Central North Island)
Rain or showers, possibly heavy at times with hail then easing later in the evening. Fresh south to southwesterly winds. Snow to 500m in the morning about the Central Plateau then gradually lifting.
Highs: 8-14

Eastern North Island
Rain or showers, heavy in the morning northern Hawkes Bay northwards. Snow to 600 or perhaps 500m at times. Strong cold southwesterly winds.
Highs: 13-14

Wellington
Rain or showers, clearing at night. Snow flurries to 500m in the morning then gradually lifting during the day. Brisk to strong southerly winds.
High: 12

Marlborough & Nelson
Sunny spells for Marlborough, there may be a shower or two at times. Nelson has a mainly sunny day. Fresh southwesterly winds ease later in the day.
Highs: 13-15

Canterbury
Rain, easing to showers in the afternoon then clearing overnight. Snow to 500m gradually lifting during the day. South Canterbury may have a fairly dry day, only the chance of a shower or two. Brisk southwesterly winds ease later in the day.
Highs: 6-10

West Coast
Sunny with fresh southerly winds, easing in the evening.
Highs: 13-15

Southland & Otago
Showers, clearing in the evening. Snow flurries to 400m in the morning then gradually lifting during the day. Cold southwesterly winds.
Highs: 10-11

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz