Wet weather arrives in the North Island today, showers gradually clear from the South Island then expect mainly settled weather for the most of the country on Friday as a ridge of high pressure moves in.

Showers clearing for the lower South Island this morning, lingering for some upper South Island areas (mainly inland Canterbury, Nelson / Marlborough and Buller in the west) through till evening. Showers about Buller may even become heavy this afternoon with thunder / hail this afternoon. Showers for the North Island with heavy thundery falls and hail possible, clearing later in the evening or overnight for most although a shower or two may linger in the east.

Mostly sunny weather for a majority of New Zealand on Friday, some high cloud starts to move onto the South Island. A shower or two about the east coast of the North Island and about Taranaki / Manawatu clears in the morning then sunny areas increase.