Unsettled weather rains, snows on aurora's NZ parade

Viewing the aurora is looking a lot clearer in the Northern Hemisphere as New Zealand is forecast to have cloudy, showery weather over the next few days. Photo / Space Weather Prediction Centre

Wet and cloudy weather is likely to spoil any chance of a decent look at the "super massive" aurora lights expected to light up skies around the world today.

The bigger than normal lights were delayed overnight and due to be seen from about 6am today.

Clear and calm conditions were required to view an aurora, but are unlikely in New Zealand over the next few days.

However, MetService duty forecaster Tui McInnes said conditions weren't likely to favour a glimpse as it passed over the country today.

"Most places won't be cloud-free. There might be the possibility down south. There's probably just too much cloud about, especially high-level cloud.

"It's hard to say. There might be a few people who get a break in the clouds."

There would have been little opportunity to catch a glimpse overnight as the country was covered in a "cloudy mess".

Looking for the aurora? While there will be less cloud around tonight, moon is 99.9% full, so not ideal for aurora spotting. Good luck! ^TA pic.twitter.com/BzicQM6CXX

— MetService (@MetService) September 6, 2017

Those in the Northern Hemisphere are more likely to get a better view, according to the Space Weather Prediction Centre.

Here is the @NWSSWPC aurora prediction for this evening pic.twitter.com/kgknKfUW5n

— Dr Mike Willis (@TheRealMike) September 6, 2017