New Zealand will have two very different forecasts on Sunday as a rapidly deepening low spreads on to the North Island but a high continues to dominate the South Island.

Heavy rain is predicted to set in across Northland in the morning and head south very slowly during the day and night.  Strong to gale force easterlies are likely west of main divides south of Auckland.

The windy and wet weather should affect all of the North Island between Sunday morning and Monday night.

However the South Island should remain mostly rain and wind free with a high continuing to protect the island from severe weather.

A few coastal showers are possible and cloudy skies and north easterlies means it’s not likely to be warm in the north, however no severe weather is expected despite the deep low cross the North Island.