Yesterday there was a cool start for many Mainlanders, today is a much milder one.

At 9am Dunedin was on 12 degrees, Christchurch 13, Nelson 16 and Blenheim 17.

The North Island has also woken to warmer temperatures with Wellington on 14 degrees, Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga on 15, and Gisborne on 17.

However with rain or showers expected and cloud covering the majority of the nation temperatures are unlikely to hit any heady highs.

Strong wind warning have been lifted for the majority of places, but three are still in force.  Details can be found here www.newstalkzb.co.nz/weather.asp