A ridge of high pressure slips away from the North Island on Thursday meanwhile a northerly airflow lies over the South Island.

Thursday sees plenty of thick high cloud, morning fog possible about the Waikato then breaking away. The North Island is mainly dry although there is the low risk of a light shower or two during the day about some northeastern exposed coastal areas from Bay Of Plenty through to eastern Northland.

Some rain or showers for South Westland, easing by evening. Spill over rain or showers spread into Southland and Otago for a time in the afternoon / evening.

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz