Today a widespread strong southerly airflow develops over the South Island as a low pressure system sits out to the east of the country, westerlies cover the North Island tending southerly later this afternoon / evening. A south to southwesterly airflow on Friday gradually eases. A southwesterly airflow continues on Saturday with a weakening front moving north over the South Island during the day.

Thursday

Blue – Areas of rain for east of the South Island may be heavy then easing this afternoon in the south then further north in the evening. Kaikoura northwards may see dry weather till midday at which point rain then moves in.

For many in the North Island early heavy rain eases then expect showers, some of which may be heavy with thunderstorms and hail then easing in the evening.

Purple – Strong to gale southerly winds affect coastal fringes of the east coast of the South Island from this morning then easing overnight, strong to gale south to southwesterly winds spread up the east coast of the North Island afternoon / evening.

Brisk westerly winds affect the upper North Island for much of the day, winds just gusty for most with a low risk of coastal winds gusting to gale at times.

Friday

Blue – Chance of a light frost to start the day about the lower South Island.

Purple – Strong south to southwesterly winds gusting to gale about the east dropping away in the afternoon.

Saturday

No issues to speak of currently, calmer weather on the way.

– 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