A large anticyclone to the east of New Zealand directs an easterly quarter airflow over the country today.

Isolated showers for much of the North Island on Friday, showers may be heavy for the upper North Island in the afternoon then easing evening. The southwestern corner from southern Taranaki down through to Wellington has a mainly dry day.

Mainly sunny for the South Island, there could be a few areas of morning cloud in the north and far south.

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz