Wednesday

Northerly winds become gusty about eastern regions of the South Island and in the Cook Strait area from afternoon onwards – picking up during the evening and overnight, with the low risk of gales.
Canterbury and the Cook Strait area – as always – have a slightly higher chance of strong winds, while Otago and Marlborough will be breezy too.
Expect rain for the West Coast of the South Island, becoming heavy in the evening and overnight.

Thursday

A front continues to move over the North Island during the day, though it will have weakened considerably – meaning no risks, other than some early heavy rain about Buller, before it departs northwards and clearing.

Friday

That same front brings rain to the West Coast of the South Island (Hokitika northwards) from Friday afternoon onwards.
Rain may be heavy in the evening before clearing overnight, though totals shouldn’t be particularly high.

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