On Thursday a north to northeasterly airflow gradually develops for most as a low brews in the Tasman Sea west of the South Island. A front pushes over the country on Friday from the west, clearing the South Island in the afternoon however it may not clear the North Island till later in the day.

Thursday

Purple – Northeasterly winds pick up about some coastal parts of the South Island later in the day / overnight. Winds will mainly just be brisk / gusty although they could be strong overnight with a risk of gale gusts about coastal Fiordland.

Friday

Blue – Rain for the West Coast of the South Island with thunderstorms even possible for South Westland. While the west / upper North Island still sees a band of rain cross over during the day it is looking less likely to support heavy falls at this stage.

Purple – Strong northerly winds for the Cook Strait area and much of the South Island, winds may gust to gale through Cook Strait. From afternoon winds tilt a little more northwest with gales possible for many especially about the inner South Island in the east and through Cook Strait.

Saturday

Blue – Rain for the West Coast of the South Island may be heavy at times, especially morning and again in the afternoon with a chance of thunderstorms.

Purple – Northwesterlies about some eastern parts of the country strong and gusty at times with a risk of gales, more so in the afternoon and especially through Cook Strait.

– 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