A westerly airflow lies over the North Island on Thursday becoming fairly unstable during the morning, strong south to southwesterly winds for the South Island the spreading over the North Island later in the day as a low sits out to the east of New Zealand in the Pacific Ocean.

For the upper North Island early rain possibly heavy eases to showers however showers may then become heavy with a chance of thunderstorms before easing in the evening. Winds breezy from the west, gusty about Northland.

The lower North Island sees a similar picture as to the upper half, any unstable conditions easing by late afternoon. Southerly winds becoming strong with gales likely for Wellington in the afternoon. Strong southwesterlies then spread up the east coast of the North Island afternoon / evening, winds may gust to gale on the coast.

For the South Island it’s a mainly sunny day on the West Coast after any early showers clear, the east has rain with a chance of heavy falls then easing late afternoon / evening. It may be dry to start the day Kaikoura northwards before rain moves in. Winds strong from the southwest, gusting to gale about many coastal fringes.

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