A strong southwesterly airflow lies over New Zealand today, a front within this flow races northwards over the country during the day starting about the lower South Island early this morning reaching the upper North Island later this afternoon.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty
A mainly dry morning, some sun possible then showers move in during the afternoon as southwesterlies strengthen. Winds may rise to gale about western coastal areas then conditions ease overnight with long dry spells developing.
Highs: 14-15

Western North Island (including Central North Island)
Mostly cloudy, rain develops around midday with a gusty southwest change, strong to gale force about the coast. Rain easing to the odd shower by evening, a few snow flurries lower to 500m in the evening.
Highs: 10-14

Eastern North Island
Mostly sunny although a few early showers clear Gisborne, some high cloud develops then showers move into Wairarapa around midday with a gusty southwest change. Showers move into Hawkes Bay and Gisborne mid to late afternoon. Snow lowers to 500m in the evening although precipitation rates will have backed off by then also.
Highs: 15-18

Wellington
Morning sun then afternoon showers with a gusty southerly change, showers becoming few and far between by evening.
High: 14

Marlborough & Nelson
Morning sun with thickening high cloud, afternoon showers then clearing in the evening. Some snow may lower to 600m for a time before clearing.
Highs: 15-17

Canterbury
Morning rain then showers, clearing by evening south of Banks Peninsula then further north overnight. Some snow lowers to 400m before clearing. Fresh southwesterly winds.
Highs: 10-12

West Coast
Morning rain eases to showers then clearing during the afternoon with sunny spells breaking through. Southwesterly winds.
Highs: 11-13

Southland & Otago
Showers, some may be heavy with hail in the morning then gradually easing during the day and dry spells increasing from afternoon. Snow flurries to 300m. Fresh southwesterly winds.
Highs: 8-11

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz