Temperatures in the North Island were about normal for the time of year, but above average for parts of the South Island thanks to the nor'wester, MetService meteorologist Kyle Lee said.
"In the east we're talking 4C to 7C above average."
It's a cooler day in western and southern parts of the North Island - Wellington will be fine but with a high of 18C and New Plymouth, also fine, 19C.
Most places will be dry, with the exception some parts of the deep south, Lee said.
"It's pretty benign weather today. There's a bit of high pressure keeping much of the country pretty fine."
Scattered showers may spoil the party in Otago, Southland and parts of Westland and a heavy rainfall warning has been issued for Fiordland - up to 150mm of rain is expected before 9pm tonight.
Meanwhile, Sunday's sunshine across much of the country will give way for some to a damp start to the working week.
North Islanders can expect showers to spread across much of the island, from Northland to Wellington, and from Taranaki towards eastern areas.
It'll be mild in Auckland, with a high of 22C but showers will develop from afternoon, with a similar story in Hamilton.
Brief evening rain is expected in Wellington tomorrow, with a high of 18C.
In the South Island rain and showers are expected for many places during the day, before clearing in the evening.
