Strong southeasterlies for the lower South Island on Friday, northwesterlies further north while a deep low stradles the South Island.

Showers for the upper North Island some of which may be heavy at times with breezy northwesterly winds, strong about the coast. Some sun may break through at times in the afternoon. Overnight or more towards dawn on Saturday very strong northwesterlies move in bringing a period gales and showers, some may be heavy with thunderstorms.

Morning rain eases to the odd shower about the lower North Island in the west, gusty northwesterly winds, strongest about coastal areas.

Sunny areas and some high cloud along the east coast after a few morning spots of rain clear away, gusty northwesterly winds. Occasional showers for Wellington / through Cook Strait with strong to gale northwesterly winds.

Areas of rain about Nelson and Marlborough, some sun may break through from afternoon. Rain a little more scattered about eastern Marlborough with a higher chance of sun afternoon onwards. Gusty north to northwesterly winds.

Canterbury. Rain south of Banks Peninsula with heavy falls especially the further south one goes, areas of flooding and potential for slips about South Canterbury. Winds gusty from the south or southwest. Showers further north, perhaps some dry areas at times with lighter more variable winds.

Rain for North Westland, easing overnight with northwesterly winds. South Westland sees drier conditions although the odd spit now and then spreading from the east with mainly cloudy skies, winds strong and gusty from the south.

Showers or drizzle turns to rain by midday about Southland / Otago with heavy falls, especially about eastern Otago where flooding and slips may occur. Strengthening south to southeasterly winds, rising to gale about the coast.

Snow staying above 700m for most in the South Island, it will be heavy above these levels where rain is heavy. Lowering to 600 or maybe 500m in the evening about Southland / Otago, perhaps 400m by dawn on Saturday.

Blue – Heavy form of precipitation or cold temperatures, typically below 1 to 2 degrees celsius.
White – Snow
Purple – Strong winds.
Yellow – Temperatures around the mid 20 degree mark or over.

Not all regions and towns have been mentioned above. For specific 10 day information for your city, town, rural community or island please see the 1500 forecasts on our homepage!

– Aaron Wilkinson, WeatherWatch.co.nz