A ridge lies over the North Island today, especially the upper half, however it does slowly weaken. A northwesterly airflow lies over the South Island. Rain for the West Coast of the South Island while it’s drier out east, patchy rain for Southland and Otago afternoon / evening, however. For the North Island, it’s mainly dry although there may be a shower or two about the southwestern corner.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty

Some morning fog possible about the Waikato. Mostly cloudy from morning about Northland especially in the east, cloud increases elsewhere in the evening with some sun expected beforehand. Light east to northeasterly winds.

Highs: 17-18

Western North Island (including Central North Island)

Mostly cloudy with the odd patchy shower, many dry spells also, especially about Taranaki into the afternoon. The Central North Island is mainly dry. North to northwesterly winds.

Highs: 14-16

Eastern North Island

Any morning showers clear then cloud breaks to sunny areas by midday, light northeasterly winds develop.

Highs: 16-17

Wellington

Sunny areas and increasing cloud, north to northwesterly winds.

High: 15

Marlborough & Nelson

Sunny areas and increasing high cloud about Marlborough, light winds tend northwest this afternoon. A few morning showers about Nelson clear then a few sunny spells expected this afternoon, light winds.

Highs: 14-16

Canterbury

Sunny areas and increasing high cloud. North to northeasterly winds.

High: 16

West Coast

Cloudy with the odd shower then rain this afternoon, chance of a few heavy falls. North of about Westport rain remains only patchy. Northeasterly winds.

Highs: 13-14

Southland & Otago

High cloud thickens from this morning, a few areas of patchy rain about Central Otago after midday, then elsewhere late afternoon / evening. Light north to northeasterly winds.

Highs: 8-13

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz