A low in the Tasman Sea is moving in slowly with a period of rain tonight and Monday moving down the North Island and clearing by Tuesday to showers.

The set up will see hit and miss relief with the rain widespread but the heaviest more helpful downpours a bit more localised.

Either way, it’s a positive set up for drought zones with mild temperatures and rain falling. Some rain is also likely in the Hunua and Waitakere ranges, positive news for Auckland’s poorly managed water crisis.

For farmers and growers in Waikato, Auckland and Northland – also Hawke’s Bay and northern Canterbury – the additional rain should be welcome. Go to www.RuralWeather.co.nz to drill down deeper for expected rainfall totals at your property.

Cooler air further south will see some snow in the mountains, mainly around the Canterbury side of the Southern Alps.