A blustery west to southwesterly airflow lies over the country today tending northwest on Thursday with a front moving onto the western South Island from afternoon.

Showers for most of today about the western North Island, some may be heavy at times then easing overnight. Mainly sunny in the east after any morning high cloud clears. Showers may be heavy at times with thunderstorms and hail for the western South Island, easing in the evening. Southland and Otago are mainly dry however expect a few clearing showers for North Otago in the morning, the odd shower moves into Southland from afternoon. Canterbury sees showers develop this morning south of Banks Peninsula, moving further northwards in the afternoon.

Showers at times for western regions on Thursday, rain becoming heavy about South Westland from afternoon. Mainly dry out east with some high cloud.

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz