A weak low pressure system lies to the west of the North Island today, expect a north to northwesterly airflow over the country. High pressure covers the country on Friday.

A mix of mid and high level cloud across the North Island today, showers push into Northland from the west overnight. Isolated showers develop about some inland areas (i.e. Waikato and Central North Island) late afternoon / evening, some may become heavy with thunderstorms then clearing at night. Rain or showers about South Westland, sunny spells further north. Mainly dry with some high cloud in the east. The odd spit or shower for Southland may spread into Otago in the evening. Sunny areas and some high cloud for Canterbury and Marlborough with northerlies.

Showers for most of the day about Northland on Friday. Late afternoon / evening isolated showers develop about inland areas, some may become heavy with thunderstorms then clearing at night. A mix of sun and cloud otherwise for most coastal areas. A mix of sun and cloud for Nelson / Marlborough, chance of an isolated shower late afternoon / evening about inland areas. The West Coast has similar weather to Nelson however skies may be cloudy to start in the morning with the chance of a light shower. Canterbury and coastal Otago are fairly cloudy, risk of a light shower or drizzle patch especially morning, southerlies tend easterly in the afternoon. A mix of sun and cloud for Southland and Central Otago.

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz