A front moving from west to east over the North Island today gradually weakens however it may leave in its wake an unstable afternoon for some. A low in the Tasman affects some western parts of the North Island and upper South Island from later in the evening. This low crosses over central New Zealand during Wednesday, northwesterlies gradually develop on Thursday.

Tuesday

Blue – During the afternoon about parts of the lower South Island as depicted below, showers develop some of which may become heavy with thunderstorms then easing in the evening. A few heavy showers may also develop in the afternoon about some parts of the lower North Island although the thunder risk is on the lower side.

Later in the evening or overnight a band of rain pushes into the northwestern corner of the upper South Island and Tarnaki through to western Waikato. There may be the odd heavy fall here but especially about Taranaki where thunderstorms are looking fairly likely. Perhaps even the low risk of a small isolated tornado about Taranaki.

Purple – Northwesterly winds become gusty about the coast overnight from Taranaki through to western Northland.

Wednesday

Blue – As a low churns over central New Zealand during the day this brings a risk of heavy showers and thunderstorms about the upper South Island and lower North Island. While storms may occur in any of these areas through till early evening, heavy showers and possible thunderstorms don’t develop about the Wairarapa and perhaps southern Hawkes Bay till afternoon.

About Central Otago and some parts of South Westland isolated heavy showers may develop in the afternoon, only a low risk of a thunderstorm developing.

Purple – Westerly winds about the upper North Island are likely to be brisk from midday, strong about western coastal areas then easing in the evening.

Thursday

Blue – Some heavy rain moves into Fiordland / South Westland from afternoon.

– Please note, the idea behind this update is to focus on the main weather highlights, which is why not all regions are mentioned. 

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