Anticyclonic conditions for most of New Zealand on Thursday with an easing southerly quarter airflow.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty

Any morning drizzle clears then cloud breaking to a few sunny spells in the afternoon for the Waikato and Auckland. Northland is mainly dry then a chance of drizzle comes from afternoon. A few evening showers possible about the Bay Of Plenty, mostly sunny during the day. West to southwesterly winds.

Highs: 23-25

Western North Island (including Central North Island)

Mostly cloudy towards the eastern ranges, any morning drizzle clears away. Light winds tend southeasterly late morning. Sunny spells elsewhere with south to southeasterly winds.

Highs: 18-22

Eastern North Island

Cloudy with drizzle patches especially in the morning, southeasterly winds.

Highs: 19-20

Wellington

Any early showers clear then mostly cloudy with southeasterly winds.

High: 17

Marlborough & Nelson

Morning drizzle clears, cloudy with easterly winds dying out in the evening. Light afternoon northerlies for Nelson.

Highs: 17-19

Canterbury

Morning drizzle clears, mostly cloudy with light southeast winds tending easterly in the afternoon. Cloud breaks overnight.

Highs: 15

West Coast

Any morning cloud breaks to mostly sunny weather, light winds tend onshore in the afternoon.

Highs: 18-21

Southland & Otago

Early cloud breaks to mostly sunny weather, west to southwest winds.

Highs: 13-19

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz