A strong westerly airflow lies over New Zealand on Thursday, within this flow we have a series of fronts moving through bringing typical spring like / changeable conditions.

Some heavy rain may move through in the morning for the west of the North Island then easing to showers, these showers however may be heavy at times with a risk of hail and thunder for the rest of the day – but with the strong winds the scattered thunderstorms that do pop up will zip along quite quickly in the flow and unlikely to linger too long. Westerly winds will likely be gusty especially in the west, ramping up in the evening with gales possible then these winds spreading into eastern areas overnight.

Some morning heavy rain for the West Coast of the South Island, perhaps a thunderstorm for Buller then easing. Showers and thunderstorms may develop about North Otago / inland Canterbury through to Christchurch in the afternoon or early evening. Any storms that form could contain hail.

Overnight strong southwesterly winds develop about coastal parts of the eastern South Island.

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’s of forecasts on our homepage!

– Aaron Wilkinson, WeatherWatch.co.nz