Forecast for Southern North Island, NZ

THIS EVENING, TUESDAY 29 APRIL: Expect mostly cloudy skies across the Southern North Island this evening and overnight, although areas like the Kapiti Coast and Wellington might see some clearer spells at times. There's a slight chance of patchy light rain developing later tonight, mainly in the Wairarapa and possibly near Wellington and the Kapiti Coast. Winds will generally be light easterly or southeasterly, around 10 km/h, but perhaps a bit breezier 20 to 30 km/h along the Kapiti-Horowhenua coast. Temperatures will remain mild, with the overnight low for the area likely between 14°C and 18°C. TOMORROW, WEDNESDAY 30 APRIL: Rain will develop across the area during the morning, becoming widespread and persistent through the afternoon and evening, potentially heavy at times, especially later in the day. A Heavy Rain Watch is in place for Wellington from 6 pm, particularly for the eastern hills, where amounts could approach warning levels. Winds will start as easterlies or southeasterlies, often 20 to 40 km/h with gusts possibly 50 to 60 km/h, especially north of Wellington and in the Wairarapa. Later in the afternoon and evening, winds will turn southerly and strengthen significantly across the region, becoming strong with gusts potentially reaching 60 to 90 km/h, possibly even higher in exposed places like the Wellington coast and Kapiti later at night. A Strong Wind Watch for severe gales in exposed parts of Wellington begins at midnight tonight. It will be a mild day initially, with the high expected between 15°C and 21°C, warmest in Manawatu and Kapiti areas, before temperatures drop later with the southerly change. The overnight low will range from about 12°C to 16°C.