A northwesterly airflow lies over New Zealand today with a front moving onto the lower South Island this afternoon.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty
Mostly sunny after any morning cloud breaks away, mid afternoon cloud starts to thicken up again although staying mostly sunny for the Bay Of Plenty. Risk of an isolated afternoon shower also, mainly for Northland. Light north to northwesterly winds.
Highs: 20-23

Western North Island (including Central North Island)
A mix of sun and cloud, cloud is a bit more persistent about Kapiti with the odd shower possible. Cloud thickens up for Taranaki from afternoon bringing a light shower or two, cloud thickens for most in the evening. Northwesterly winds.
Highs: 18-22

Eastern North Island
Sunny with northerlies then afternoon northeasterlies about Hawkes Bay and Gisborne. Winds tend northwest in the evening.
Highs: 23-26

Wellington
Mostly cloudy, the odd spit later in the day. Gusty north to northwesterly winds.
High: 17

Marlborough & Nelson
Sunny with some evening high cloud, north to northwesterly winds pick up from midday becoming gusty.
Highs: 20-25

Canterbury
Mostly sunny with some high cloud, mainly later. North to northwesterly winds.
Highs: 24-27

West Coast
Mostly cloudy although there may be some morning sun about North Westland. Light showers for Fiordland, spreading north at times from midday. Rain moves into South Westland afternoon onwards with heavy falls possible then moving northwards overnight. Winds from the northeast.
Highs: 17-18

Southland & Otago
Mostly sunny with increasing high cloud, a few spots of rain possible late afternoon / evening. North to northwesterly winds, perhaps tending a little more northeast about coastal Otago.
Highs: 23-24

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz