A strong cold southwesterly airflow lies over New Zealand today, easing this evening and overnight.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty
Cloudy areas, chance of a shower or two at times especially in the west. The Bay Of Plenty may stay dry for most of the day. Breezy west to southwesterly winds.
Highs: 14-16

Western North Island (including Central North Island)
Cloudy areas and occasional showers, breezy west to southwesterly winds gusty about the coast. Winds ease in the evening.
Highs: 10-14

Eastern North Island
Mostly sunny with breezy westerlies, a few showers push into the Wairarapa around midday as winds tend fresh southwest. These showers move further north late afternoon or evening.
Highs: 12-16

Wellington
Mostly sunny then cloud from afternoon as westerlies change southerly.
High: 13

Marlborough & Nelson
Mostly sunny, some cloud thickens up from afternoon especially for Marlborough, cool south to southwesterly winds.
Highs: 12-15

Canterbury
Cloudy areas with gusty southwesterly winds, gales out on Banks Peninsula. Some sun at times for inland areas. A shower or two is possible for North Canterbury afternoon onwards otherwise mainly dry.
Highs: 8-11

West Coast
Sunny spells, showers Greymouth northwards ease during the day, long dry spells by evening. A few snow flurries to 500m about the ranges of Buller. Brisk southwesterlies ease later in the day.
Highs: 9-12

Southland & Otago
Wintry showers with small hail possible at times, snow flurries to low levels in the morning (200 to 100m) then lifting to 300m by evening. Brisk cold west to southwesterly winds, strong about the coast.
Highs: 7-9

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz