A very slow moving front will today push into central parts of New Zealand after roaring across the lower South Island yesterday.

While the weakening system is right at the bottom of the severe scale it is still expected to bring a wet, windy spell to many areas between Greymouth and Taranaki and eastwards over Wellington and south Wairarapa.

The system is fairly fragmented, weakening significantly as the air pressure surrounding New Zealand continues to rise, squeezing the life out of the front and helping ease the winds. 

But for the next 24 hours the gustiest winds and heaviest bands of rain/showers are likely to be in central areas with the heavy rain on western slopes of the main ranges and the gustiest winds in the east and about Wellington.

WeatherWatch.co.nz does not expect severe gales in any of the main centres but advises motorists to be aware of sudden gusts, especially in the lower North Island.

Winds are expected to ease as the day wears on.

Meanwhile in the upper North Island and lower South Island weather conditions will be more settled with lighter winds.  Showers may still affect the deep south today but tomorrow a new high rolls in.