New Zealand lies under a northerly quarter airflow today, says a WeatherWatch spokesperson.

"A front passed over us yesterday well out to the east and another front [is] lining us up in the Tasman Sea," says a WeatherWatch spokesperson.

For Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty, early showers are expected to clear followed by a mix of sun and cloud, with high cloud starting to thicken from the afternoon.

"Rain will be developing for Northland in the evening then spreading elsewhere. Northerly winds strengthen later in the day."

Temperature highs for the four regions are expected to be between 17 and 20 degrees Celsius.

Western North Island including Central North Island
A mix of sun and cloud, morning showers clear but a few remaining for New Plymouth and Kapiti. Rain moves in overnight for New Plymouth with heavy falls and thunderstorms. North to northwesterly winds.
Highs: 14-19

Eastern North Island
Sunny, high cloud later in the day, spots of rain overnight passing over from the west. Northerly winds.
Highs: 19-21

Wellington
Cloudy areas and the odd spit or shower, sun breaks through at times in the afternoon. Rain overnight. Strong north to northwesterly winds.
Highs: 17-18

Marlborough and Nelson
A mix of sun and cloud, the odd spit or shower possible. Rain overnight becomes heavy. Northwesterlies tend to the north in the afternoon, strengthening later.
Highs: 16-18

Canterbury
Sun and some high cloud, thickening evening. Early rain about the high country clears away. North to northeasterly winds.
Highs: 16-22

West Coast
Early rain eases to showers, later in the evening or overnight rain moves back in with heavy falls and thunderstorms. Northerlies tend northeast in the afternoon, becoming strong especially later.
Highs: 15-17

Southland and Otago
Sun and high cloud, thickening from late afternoon. North to northeasterly winds.
Highs: 17-19