A brisk to strong northwesterly airflow lies over New Zealand on Thursday.

For the upper North Island expect spring-like breezy to brisk, Westerly winds. Showers for much of the day with the odd sunny spell, more so in the east.

Areas of rain for the lower western North Island, possibly heavy at times then easing overnight. Gusty west to northwesterly winds, winds may gust to gale about the coast. Any morning spots of rain clear along the east coast then mostly sunny with a few clouds at times, gusty northwesterly winds.

Early rain eases to showers and sunny spells for Wellington, winds strong from the northwest gusting to gale at times especially through Cook Strait.

Any early rain clears Nelson and Marlborough then expect sunny areas and some high cloud, Nelson may see a few showers spread from the west in the afternoon. Brisk gusty northwesterly winds. Any early spots of rain clear Canterbury then mostly sunny with high cloud decreasing. Gusty northwesterly winds, strong about North Canterbury in the afternoon.

Rain, heavy at times along the West Coast with possible thunderstorms. Gusty northwesterly winds tending more westerly in the afternoon. Early rain clears Southland and Otago then showers move in during the afternoon as northerlies change gusty westerly, showers may be heavy. Showers clear in the evening for most.