High pressure brings mainly settled weather today, a chance conditions may turn unstable about inland parts of the lower South Island this afternoon. Mainly settled again on Thursday however a few weak areas of low pressure at either end of the country from afternoon bring a chance of unstable conditions.

Mostly sunny for the North Island today, some high cloud at times. Gisborne and perhaps northern Hawkes Bay has some cloud and the risk of a shower. A mix of sun and mid / high level cloud for the South Island, rain or showers about Fiordland eases from afternoon. Some morning rain about Southland and Otago clears then sun breaks through. Inland north Otago and inland South Canterbury sees isolated showers late afternoon / evening, a chance some of these may turn heavy with thunderstorms then clearing at night.

A mix of sun and cloud for much of the North Island on Thursday, showers along the east coast ease from afternoon. Inland Bay Of Plenty and perhaps the Waikato sees isolated showers late afternoon / evening, some of these may become heavy with thunderstorms then clearing at night. A mix of sun and high cloud for the South Island, isolated showers possible for inland areas late afternoon / evening. Showers may become heavy with a thunderstorm for Southland / Central Otago then clearing at night.

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz