A northeasterly airflow lies over the country today says a WeatherWatch spokesperson.

It is flowing between high pressure to the east and low pressure in the Tasman Sea and to the north.

"Plenty of cloud today with heavy rain for the eastern North Island and perhaps top of the South Island. Settled in the far south."

Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty
Mostly cloudy with showers or rain, rain more likely for Coromandel and Bay of Plenty thanks to a prevailing east to southeasterly airflow, winds may be strong later in the day. Northland has sunny spells and the risk of a shower.
Highs: 16 – 18

Western North Island including Central North Island
Cloudy, some rain possible, mainly about Taranaki and the Central North Island. Easterly winds.
Highs: 12 – 16

Eastern North Island
Rain, heavy at times, easing late afternoon or evening. Fresh east to northeasterly winds.
Highs: 15 – 16

Wellington
Cloudy with the odd spit or shower, drying up in the evening. Easterly winds.
Highs: 15 – 16

Marlborough and Nelson
Rain, there may be the odd heavy fall. East to southeasterly winds.
Highs: 14 – 16

Canterbury
Cloudy with drizzle, rain for Kaikoura may be heavy but easing in the afternoon. Conditions may dry out in the evening. Breezy east to northeasterly winds.
Highs: 9 – 15

West Coast
Mostly cloudy although South Westland could see sunny areas in the morning, showers for northern Buller. Easterlies.
Highs: 14 – 17

Southland and Otago
Mostly sunny with fog possible morning and night, light winds. Coastal Otago is mostly cloudy with the odd drizzle patch possible, especially in the north, winds from the northeast.
Highs: 10 – 14