There are contrasting outlooks for east and west today, as a cold southwesterly system sits over the country – meaning cloud and the possibility of showers in the east and north, while the west is looking considerably nicer.

Wind

South to southwesterly winds will push through Cook Strait into Wellington for much of the day, and also along the coastal fringes of the eastern North Island, with gales at times.

The Canterbury coast sees strong southwesterly winds during the day too, and while gales are not as likely, they are possible – especially about Banks Peninsula in the southeast.

Showers 

There is the chance of a few thunderstorms about Northland this afternoon, bringing some heavy falls, while isolated showers are possible about Auckland, the Bay of Plenty and Northland too, but the risk of storms isn’t as strong.

– Aaron Wilkinson & Drew Chappell, WeatherWatch.co.nz

– Map: Google/MetOcean