A front sweeps northwards over the South Island today bringing rain or showers to most regions for a time. Expect strong northwesterly winds ahead of the front then changing southerly or southwest as it moves through. The North Island sits under a ridge of high pressure and is mainly settled, cloud about Wellington though with gusty northerlies.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty

Morning cloud breaks to sunny areas. There is the risk of a brief shower or two about also otherwise mainly dry and humid conditions prevail. Nor’East winds.

Highs: 21-23

Western North Island (including Central North Island)

Cloudy areas with some sun breaking through in the afternoon, showers move in towards dawn on Friday. West to northwesterly winds, winds more northerly for Taranaki.

Highs: 20-25

Eastern North Island

Sunny areas and some high cloud, thickening later in the day.

Gentle northerly breezes.

Highs: 26-27

Wellington

Mostly cloudy with brisk to strong north to northwesterly winds.

High: 18

Marlborough & Nelson

High cloud thickening from morning about Marlborough, the odd spot of rain possible at times (especially overnight) otherwise mainly dry. Nelson sees a few spells of rain from morning. Winds gusty from the north or northwest especially afternoon.

Highs: 20-26

Canterbury

High cloud thickening from morning, a few spells of rain late afternoon / evening as gusty northwesterly winds change southerly then clearing. Northerly winds strong about inland areas before the change moves through.

High: 26-27

West Coast

Cloudy with spells of rain, heavy falls at times especially afternoon and evening as a front sweeps northwards along the coast. Winds gusty from the north then changing southwest later in the day with rain clearing away.

Highs: 17-18

Southland & Otago

Mostly cloudy, rain or showers move through from mid to late morning as northerly winds change gusty southwesterly. Rain mostly clearing by evening with cloud breaking away.

Highs: 17-23

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz