A front is pushing north over the South Island this morning reaching the North Island this afternoon, says a WeatherWatch spokesperson. 

"In behind the front and between a low centre crossing the lower South Island, expect gale to severe gale northwesterlies in the east."

Heavy rain is expected for the West Coast.

In the Bay of Plenty, Northland, Auckland, and Waikato, the skies will be partly cloudy, with showers moving in during the late afternoon or evening.

Northwesterly winds, breezy in the afternoon, but easing later on are forecast for these four regions, with temperature highs between 18 - 20 degrees Celsius.

Western North Island (including Central North Island)
A few showers for Kapiti and Taranaki, becoming more widespread around midday with rain moving into the aforementioned areas. Rain eases back to a few showers late afternoon and some sun may even break through. Northwesterlies, strong for coastal areas, easing later in the day.
Highs: 14 – 18

Eastern North Island
Mostly sunny, some cloud for Wairarapa towards midday, breaking away in the afternoon. Northwesterlies, strong for Wairarapa.
Highs: 18 – 24

Wellington
Showers develop in the morning, clearing mid afternoon. Strong to gale northwesterly winds.
Highs: 15 – 16

Marlborough & Nelson
Morning rain then breaking to mostly sunny weather in the afternoon, northwesterlies strengthen gusting to gale at times from late morning, easing evening.
Highs: 18 – 20

Canterbury
Sunny spells, rain inland with heavy rain in the high country, a few spits may spread to the coast. Northerlies tend northwest during the morning rising to gale or severe gale, easing late afternoon then winds change to the south in the evening with some coastal cloud.
Highs: 18 – 22

West Coast
Rain with heavy falls, thunder possible, easing late afternoon to showers. Strong to gale northerlies tend northwest by midday then gentler westerly in the afternoon. Overnight heavy rain moves back into South Westland with thunderstorms.
Highs: 13 – 15

Southland & Otago
Rain for Central Otago, heavy about the Lakes District spreading into Southland during the morning, clearing evening. Brief rain reaches coastal Otago late afternoon. North to northeasterly winds change to the west in the morning then southwest in the afternoon.
Highs: 12 – 18