Those big afternoon downpours become far more isolated today with a mainly dry day across NZ thanks to a big high.

The high has been building for days but today is the first day it will perfectly covered the nation.

Winds will be light with afternoon lake and sea breezes.

A few downpours will bubble up in the afternoon inland, in places like Northland or around the Kaimai Ranges.  A few build ups will also pepper the Southern Alps and foot hills around Canterbury. These may lead to downpours and perhaps a couple of isolated thunderstorms.

Elsewhere, dry with sunny weather – or a mix of sun and cloud.

Highs: 21 to 28

– WeatherWatch.co.nz