Strong low pressure continues to develop over the Tasman Sea this morning.  Rain is already moving across parts of Northland, Coromandel Peninsula, Auckland, Bay of Plenty and north Waikato.

As the day wears on, rain will increase in areal coverage and intensity.  Rain will spread across the rest of the North Island as we go through the day, reaching the far eastern and south regions after sunset.

Heavy rain is possible across Northland, Coromandel Peninsula, Auckland, Bay of Plenty and north Waikato today.

For the South Island, rain could develop about Nelson and Westland early this morning.  Rain is also possible along the far southern sections of Fiordland and Southland by late morning.  This afternoon, most of the South Island will have a good chance for seeing rain.  The only exception will be the far eastern regions.  These areas will likely have to wait until after sunset before seeing any rain

Winds are also a concern today.  Northeast gales could approach severe limits this morning about the open areas of Northland and Auckland.

By WeatherWatch Analyst Howard Joseph