A blustery west to southwesterly airflow lies over the country on Wednesday.

Showers for most of the day about the western North Island on Wednesday, some may be heavy at times then easing overnight. Mainly sunny in the east after any early morning high cloud clears.

Showers may be heavy at times with thunderstorms and hail for the western South Island, easing in the evening. Drier conditions out east however expect a few showers about Southland and Otago, also perhaps Canterbury for a time in the afternoon with a southwest change.

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz