Thursday will see another small period of respite from the stormy conditions that have beset a number of parts of the country over Monday and Wednesday this week – though winds continue to blow strongly in many western areas of New Zealand.

That strong westerly airflow still lies over New Zealand, meaning western regions of both islands see showers and wind – but winds won’t be so bad for most.

The West Coast of the South Island may dry out somewhat in the afternoon too. 

It’s shaping up mostly sunny for eastern regions, with moderate northwesterlies for most – while there may be pockets of gustier winds at times – mainly in the morning.

Southland and Otago see morning showers that mostly clear away, and sunny areas begin to increase.

Central Otago may just see early showers before becoming mostly sunny, while winds blow strongly from the west then ease.

– Aaron Wilkinson & Drew Chappell, WeatherWatch.co.nz