A low pressure system sits in the Tasman Sea today and another weaker low centre sits over the South Island. An occluded front flings out from the South Island low with showers in behind for inland areas, some heavy, also some rain into the southwestern corner of the North Island.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty
A mix of sun and cloud, a few isolated showers possible from afternoon for Waikato and in the far north. Overnight showers become more likely in the west, perhaps turning rain as a front moves in from the Tasman, rain is more widespread Friday morning with heavy falls. Northerly winds.
Highs: 19 – 21

Western North Island (including Central North Island)
A mix of sun and cloud, a few showers develop in the afternoon with rain for Taranaki and Kapiti, easing evening. Chance of an isolated heavy shower for the Central Plateau with thunder then easing. Overnight rain moves into Taranaki from the north with heavy falls. Northerly winds.
Highs: 18 – 22

Eastern North Island
Any morning low cloud clears then mostly sunny with some high cloud, isolated showers develop about the ranges south of Napier in the afternoon, some may become heavy with thunder then clearing evening. Light winds tend onshore in the afternoon, northwesterlies all day for Gisborne.
Highs: 22 – 25

Wellington
Mostly cloudy, chance of a spit then rain moves in during the afternoon, clearing evening. Breezy northerlies.
Highs: 17 – 20

Marlborough & Nelson
Increasing cloud, rain moves in around midday (rain possibly heavy about the Sounds), clearing evening. North to northwesterly winds.
Highs: 18 – 21

Canterbury
Sunny spells with some high cloud, areas of low cloud or fog are possible especially south of Banks Peninsula. Isolated showers develop about inland hills and ranges in the afternoon (more so south of the Waimak), some may become heavy, a shower or two may reach coastal parts then showers clear in the evening for all. Winds from the south.
Highs: 16 – 21

West Coast
Cloudy spells and occasional showers, clearing overnight. Fiordland may see late afternoon / evening rain. Northeasterly winds.
Highs: 16 – 19

Southland & Otago
Low cloud or fog to start the day then sunny spells break through although in the south and east conditions may stay quite cloudy. Isolated heavy showers with possible thunder develop in the afternoon inland. Rain spreads south in the evening, gradually clearing inland, Southland may experience heavy rain. Winds from the south.
Highs: 15 – 21