A ridge of high pressure hangs over New Zealand today extending out from a large anticyclone in the Pacific Ocean. High surface moisture and converging winds lead to unstable conditions for the North Island this afternoon.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty
Early rain, possible downpours then isolated heavy showers in the afternoon with the risk of thunderstorms. Showers ease in the evening. Light winds.
Highs: 24-27

Western North Island (including Central North Island)
Mostly cloudy with the chance of a shower, showers more likely in the afternoon with the risk of an isolated heavy fall or two (mainly inland). Showers ease in the evening. Light winds.
Highs: 23-27

Eastern North Island
Mostly cloudy, showers from afternoon possibly heavy with thunderstorms then easing in the evening. Light winds.
Highs: 25-27

Wellington
Cloudy areas and occasional sun, Northerly winds.
High: 25

Marlborough & Nelson
Any morning cloud breaks to mostly sunny weather, may be an isolated shower late afternoon / evening (mainly about Marlborough). Light northerlies.
Highs: 26-29

Canterbury
Any morning cloud breaks to sunny weather, hottest weather will be inland. Low risk of an isolated shower late afternoon / evening about the foothills. East to northeasterly breezes.
Highs: 25-28

West Coast
Sunny with light west to southwesterly winds, hot inland especially inland Buller.
Highs: 23-30

Southland & Otago
Any early cloud clears then sunny with northwesterly breezes for Southland and inland Otago, coastal Otago sees northeasterly winds. Hot temperatures especially inland. High cloud develops overnight.
Highs: 27-34

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz