It’s going to be an unsettled weekend for most places as a front moves in from the south and a low forms in the sub-tropics.

The southern front is going to give a much needed top up to water tanks from about Kaikoura to New Plymouth and Napier.  We think it’ll be patchy but some areas might get some good rainfall numbers for their dry gardens, and thirsty farms.   Wellington will get some patchy rain and a late southerly change.

That southerly change brought a big drop in temperatures yesterday.  Timaru fell from near 30 degrees at noon, to 18 degrees by 5pm thanks to that strong southerly.  It’s been a weird couple of days for temperatures – yesterday morning Timaru was on about 28 while Christchurch was in the low 20s.  By late afteroon Christchurch had swung to the late 20s while Timaru was on 18!

The lower South Island will be in for a cold one today – just 14 degrees is your high, although in sheltered areas it’ll be closer to 20.

Muggy – a good word to sum up Auckland and the rest of northern New Zealand last night.  I love the Summer heat and I do like warm summer evenings…but I’m not a huge fan of humid nights.   But, to ensure I’m not whinging too much, I’m thankful for the breezy easterly which kept the house cool and my golden retriever puppy sleeping happily at the front door, or on the cool tiles in my bathroom!

Humid easterlies will continue today and a few drizzle patches and showers are possible.  They might impact the cricket today in Auckland too but the day should be mostly dry.

Gisborne is unfortunately looking unlikely to receive rain from either system… it’s too far south for rain from that sub-tropical low and probably too far north for anything substantial in that southern front.  Sunday may see a shower or two but that’s about it I’m afraid.  As soon as we see rain on the horizon we’ll be sure to let you know – it’s just a shame that this sub-tropical low isn’t going to deliver, as it looked very promising earlier this week.

Philip Duncan – head weather analyst.