A front moves off the North Island this morning away to the northeast, rain eases to showers for most as northwesterly winds change southwest. The South Island is in a westerly airflow, showers in the west and mainly dry out east, northwest winds strengthen overnight rising to gale for many especially in the east.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty

Early rain (possibly heavy) then easing to showers as northwesterly winds change gusty west to southwest.

Highs: 14-17

Western North Island (including Central North Island)

Morning heavy rain eases to showers, winds strong from the west with a risk of gales especially about the coast. A few afternoon sunny spells possible.

Highs: 11-14

Eastern North Island

Rain clears late morning as strong to gale northerlies change gusty westerly. Mostly sunny for the afternoon.

Highs: 16-17

Wellington

Morning rain clearing then expect sunny spells, strong northwesterly winds gusting to gale at times. Gales likely overnight.

High: 13

Marlborough & Nelson

Early rain clears then cloud breaks to sunny weather in the afternoon, gusty westerly winds.

Highs: 13-14

Canterbury

Morning high cloud breaks to a sunny day, west to northwesterly winds, fairly breezy. Overnight northwest winds becoming strong with gales.

High: 14

West Coast

Morning rain possibly heavy with thunderstorms then easing to showers, perhaps even the odd afternoon sunny spell. In the evening and especially overnight rain sets in again with heavy falls. Gusty west to northwest winds.

Highs: 10-12

Southland & Otago

Mostly cloudy about Southland with occasional showers, there may even be a few snow flurries to 400m by late afternoon. Gusty west to northwest winds. Late evening rain moves in then easing overnight with a westerly change. Otago is a little different, some morning rain or showers clear away then mainly dry till around midnight when further rain moves in. West to northwest winds also.

Highs: 8-10

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz