Updated 4am — High pressure over northern NZ moves east of the country on Thursday while a storm south of NZ works with it to produce a windy westerly flow across the country – ahead of a colder change that spreads nationwide on Friday.

On the one hand the weather on Thursday is a positive for those who don’t want a cold start, with temperatures above normal in a number of regions. But on the other hand, it makes for a windier set-up – especially in central NZ and eastern areas from Canterbury up to Gisborne where severe gales and blustery winds are likely in exposed places.

Wettest weather will be along the West Coast, especially south of Hokitika where heavy rain is likely.

A colder southerly change moves into Southland with some wet and windy weather too.

A few showers are about northern NZ with a mild sub-tropical airflow and fairly light winds (in comparison to elsewhere).

On Friday that colder, showery, change spreads nationwide.

As of 4am Thursday there were Orange Rain & Wind Warnings by MetService for parts of the South Island – View Them Here

Mild nor'westers in the South Island, cooler/clearer skies in the North Island this Anzac Morning, but most parts of #NewZealand are milder than average for #AnzacDay.

⚠️Especially windy & wet in some parts of the South Island. Check MetService #Warnings.

🇳🇿🇦🇺#LestWeForget ❤️ pic.twitter.com/pKcBvWY8ng

— WeatherWatch.co.nz (@WeatherWatchNZ) April 24, 2024

• WeatherWatch.co.nz