A northwesterly airflow lies over the North Island on Thursday while a low pressure system and front combination move over the South Island during the day from the Tasman Sea.

For the upper North Island and along the East Coast we can expect a mix of sun and cloud, west to northwesterly winds. A little cloudier for the lower North Island in the west with the chance of a few showers south of Wanganui and in the east about the Wairarapa.

The South Island has mainly cloudy skies for most, rain pushes onto the West Coast of the South Island early morning then onto the East Coast late morning. Rain may be heavy for a time around midday then easing during the afternoon to the odd shower by evening. Winds from the north or east.

Southland and Otago are mainly dry with a mix of sun and cloud, light winds.

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