Forecast for regions:Southern North Island, NZ

THIS EVENING, TUESDAY 29 APRIL: Manawatu: Hello there! Expect mostly cloudy skies this evening, maybe with a few breaks. There's a small chance of some light rain popping up later tonight. Easterly winds will be noticeable, around 10 km/h to 20 km/h, perhaps a bit gustier near the ranges. Temperatures will stay mild, dropping slowly to an overnight low near 15°C to 17°C. Horowhenua-Kapiti Coast: This evening looks like a mix of cloud and some clearer spells along the coast. There is a possibility of patchy light rain developing, especially inland. Winds will be mainly from the east or southeast, generally light to moderate at 10 km/h to 30 km/h. It'll stay quite mild overnight, with the low expected between 14°C and 18°C. Wellington: Evening plans? It should be mainly partly cloudy or overcast around the city and Hutt Valley, maybe clearing up a bit later on. Just a slight risk of a shower passing through. Winds will be light, mostly gentle southerlies or southeasterlies around 2 km/h to 10 km/h. Temperatures won't change much, with the low tonight settling near 14°C or 15°C. Wairarapa including the Tararua District: It looks like staying cloudy across the region this evening. There's a growing chance of some light rain or drizzle developing as the night goes on, maybe becoming a bit more persistent inland. Winds will be light easterlies or northeasterlies, mostly around 10 km/h. Temperatures will be mild, with an overnight low expected between 14°C and 16°C. TOMORROW, WEDNESDAY 30 APRIL: Manawatu: Rain is likely to develop during the morning tomorrow, becoming persistent for a time, possibly moderate. There's some uncertainty, it might ease back later, or it could keep raining into the evening. Easterly winds will pick up quite a bit, perhaps reaching 30 km/h to 40 km/h with gusts to 60 km/h, before easing later. The high will be somewhere between 17°C and 22°C, with the overnight low around 14°C to 18°C. Horowhenua-Kapiti Coast: Rain is expected to spread across the coast tomorrow morning, and it could get quite heavy for a period around the middle of the day before easing back to showers or patchy rain later. Watch out for the wind – southeasterlies will strengthen significantly, likely reaching 30 km/h to 50 km/h with gusts potentially 70 km/h to 90 km/h later in the day. The high temperature should reach between 16°C and 21°C, dropping to a low of 13°C to 18°C overnight. Wellington: A wet and windy day on the way for the capital. Rain will develop early and become persistent, with periods of heavy rain likely through the day and into the evening. Southerly winds will ramp up significantly, becoming strong and gusty, potentially reaching 40 km/h to 70 km/h with gusts between 70 km/h and 120 km/h, especially later on. It'll feel cool, with the high only reaching 14°C to 17°C, and the low overnight around 12°C to 15°C. Wairarapa including the Tararua District: Get ready for rain tomorrow, developing through the morning and becoming persistent. Expect periods of moderate to heavy rain during the day and into the evening, especially over the eastern hills. Southeasterly winds will strengthen, turning into strong southerlies later, reaching 30 km/h to 60 km/h with gusts possibly 70 km/h to 90 km/h by evening. The high temperature will be between 16°C and 21°C, with the low overnight around 13°C to 16°C. ALERT from MetService relevant to Wellington, NZ: Title: Heavy Rain Watch Valid from: 2025-04-30 18:00 NZST Expires: 2025-05-01 12:00 NZST Description: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria, especially about the eastern hills. Note, further heavy rain is expected on Friday. Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible. Chance of upgrading to a Warning: Moderate. ALERT from MetService relevant to Wellington, NZ: Title: Strong Wind Watch Valid from: 2025-05-01 00:00 NZST Expires: 2025-05-02 06:00 NZST Description: South to southwest winds are likely to reach severe gale in exposed places. Impact: Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles. Chance of upgrading to a Warning: High.