A ridge lies over most of New Zealand on Thursday stretching out from an anticyclone in the Tasman Sea, a southerly airflow for the North Island especially in the east eases during the day.

A mainly sunny day for the upper North Island with light southerly winds. Some morning cloud about Northland brings the chance of a shower then mainly sunny from afternoon.

Mainly sunny for the lower North Island in the west with south to southwesterly winds, some cloud especially in the morning about the ranges to the west. Mostly cloudy along the east coast with a few showers, clearing in the evening for most although continuing overnight about Gisborne. Breezy cool southwesterly winds.

Cloudy periods about Wellington, chance of a shower. Southerly winds die out in the evening.

Mainly sunny for the West Coast, Nelson and Marlborough with light winds. A frosty start for most inland parts of the South Island, temperatures ranging from +1 to -4 in isolated areas.

Morning cloud clears about Canterbury then mainly sunny, southwesterly winds die out in the afternoon. Chance of a morning shower for Southland and coastal Otago then sunny spells break through in the afternoon, Central Otago has sunnier weather for much of the day. Westerly winds.

Blue – Heavy form of precipitation or cold temperatures, typically below 1 to 2 degrees celsius.
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