A southwesterly airflow eases over New Zealand on Thursday while a ridge moves in spreading out from an anticyclone in the Tasman Sea.

A mainly sunny day across the North Island, winds from the south or southwest. An afternoon sea breeze may develop in the afternoon however about eastern Northland and the Bay Of Plenty.

The South Island has mainly sunny weather also although some cloud hangs about Southland and coastal Otago during the day, perhaps even the low risk of a shower or two. Central Otago sees sunny spells in the afternoon.

Both islands see the risk of a light frost to start the day especially inland.

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