A ridge lies over the lower South Island today, expect a cold southerly airflow for the rest of the country.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty
Sunny spells for most, cloud may increase in the afternoon then break away overnight. Northland however in the east may see occasional showers. Brisk south to southwesterly winds.

Highs: 13-14

Western North Island (including Central North Island)

Closer to the ranges in the east, about the Central Plateau and about Taranaki in the south expect showers, snow flurries to 400m lift later in the day. Sunny spells elsewhere and mainly dry. Strong cold southerlies gusting to gale about the coast especially southern Taranaki.

Highs: 5-11

Eastern North Island

Showers with strong southerlies gusting to gale about the coast, snow flurries to 400m then lifting a tad at the end of the day.

Highs: 10-11

Wellington

Occasional showers, snow flurries to 400m and gradually lifting. Strong southerlies, gusting to gale at times.

High: 9

Marlborough & Nelson

Sunny spells for the middle section of Marlborough with strong southerly winds, gusting to gale about the coast. For the outer Marlborough Sounds and southern parts of Marlborough there may be a few showers and the odd snow flurry to 300m lifting to 500m at night. Nelson is mainly sunny during the day with southwesterlies easing, light winds in the afternoon.

Highs: 12-14

Canterbury

Morning cloud and the chance of a remaining shower, afternoon sunny spells. The odd shower hangs about northern parts of North Canterbury for much of the day with a few snow flurries to 300m lifting to 500m at night. Southwesterly ease later in the day.

High: 10

West Coast

Mostly sunny with light winds tending southwesterly.

Highs: 12-13

Southland & Otago

Sunny with light winds, morning cloud clears coastal Otago. Frosty morning and night especially inland.

Highs: 11-13

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz