Strong south to southeasterly winds cover the South Island today then gradually spreading over the North Island later in the day.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty
Showers, some may be heavy with thunderstorms late morning / early afternoon then again around midnight. Strong west to northwesterly winds change strong to gale southwest around midnight.
Highs: 18-23

Western North Island (including Central North Island)
Rain, becoming heavy around midday then easing later in the day. Northwesterlies to start then southeasterly winds push through during the morning and afternoon. Southeasterlies rising to gale about coastal areas and especially Taranaki in the evening. Snow lowers to 500m overnight about the Central North Island, rain will ease also meaning flurries will ease as they lower overnight.
Highs: 12-19

Eastern North Island
Rain about the Wairarapa in the morning with heavy falls developing, dry further north with some sun possible. Rain moves into Hawkes Bay around midday then Gisborne late afternoon as a strong southerly change pushes through. Snow lowers to 500m about the mountains of Wairarapa in the evening, lowering to 500m overnight for the ranges of Hawkes Bay.
Highs: 20-26

Wellington
Rain with strong south to southeasterly winds, winds likely gusting to gale at times. Snow lowers to 500m in the evening.
High: 11

Marlborough & Nelson
Rain, possibly heavy in the morning then easing to showers around midday. Showers clear in the evening. Snow may lower to 500m for a time. Strong cold southerly winds, gale force at times especially about the Sounds.
Highs: 9-12

Canterbury
Rain, heavy falls possible especially about inland areas and for North Canterbury then easing from afternoon. Snow to 400m, heavy about inland areas and North Canterbury this morning.
Highs: 6-9

West Coast
Rain about North Westland clears during the afternoon then sunny areas break through, rain doesn’t clear Buller till evening. Further south conditions becoming mostly sunny after early showers clear. Further inland about the main divide rain or showers continue for much of the day pushing over from the east with snow to 400m. Winds strong and gusty from the southeast then easing from evening.
Highs: 10-12

Southland & Otago
Showers or areas of rain, rain more so from afternoon. Snow flurries to 300m at first then lifting to 400m in the afternoon. Fresh cold southwesterly winds, strong about coastal areas especially from evening.
Highs: 6-9

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz