Low pressure lies just west of Taranaki today pushing rain with heavy falls down across the North Island.

High pressure out to the east of the country is helping slow down this low, lifting rainfall totals across the North Island.

Clockwise winds spin around the North Island with nor’westers in Auckland and east to north east winds around Wellington.

The centre of the low moves in tonight and will see winds easing for some, while others get a change in wind direction.

To make sense of it all, check out your local HOURLY forecasts at WeatherWatch or refer to www.RuralWeather.co.nz.

Don’t forget tax funded weather warnings can be found here: www.weatherwatch.co.nz/maps-radars/warnings/metservice

Here are the regional forecasts for Wednesday…

Northland, Auckland, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty
Showers – some heavy. Sunny spells possible later. There is the risk of an isolated thunderstorm. Northerlies a little gustier this afternoon.
Highs: 18 – 25

Western North Island (including Central North Island)
Patchy rain with isolated heavy falls as the centre of the low moves in. East to NE winds for most, more northerly in Taranaki.
Highs: 18 – 20

Eastern North Island
Rain at times, especially around Wairarapa and southern / central Hawke’s Bay. North to NE winds, more easterly in Wairarapa.
Highs: 16-22

Wellington
Rain at times with strong easterlies possible.
High: 16

Marlborough & Nelson
Rain with some heavy falls. East to SE winds strong in exposed areas |(mainly Cook Strait/the sounds)
Highs: 13 – 16

Canterbury
Mainly dry but cloudy with the chance of some drizzle later in the north. South Canterbury likely dry all day. Easterlies – stronger in the north.
Highs: 12-16

West Coast
A few northern showers possible otherwise becoming dry with SE winds.
Highs: 18 – 21

Southland & Otago
A bit of a cool start in Northern Southland. A mix of sun and cloud for all with winds generally from the easterly quarter.
Highs: 15-23

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