Each Island is in for two completely different weather setups today as large low descends on the north and a high remains over the south.

The low pressure system will bring heavy rain into the upper and eastern North Island with the government forecaster issuing a rain warning for Gisborne, predicting up to 280mm in northern areas between 4pm yesterday and midnight tonight.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says the pressure gradient between the low in the north east and the large high to the west means strong to gale force south easterlies will continue over the North Island today. 

The angle of the winds could make the mid-lower section of the North Island especially exposed, mainly between New Plymouth and Palmerston North.

Meanwhile clear skies should remain over much of the South Island apart from a weak front brushing Southland. 

Temperatures should climb in to the mid teens for much of the country today.