A front pushes over the country today from the west, clearing the South Island in the afternoon however it may not clear the North Island till later in the day. A strong west to northwest airflow can be expected over the weekend.

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 big heavy falls. Taranaki has a higher chance of heavy rain however.

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 evening / overnight 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.

Sunday

Blue – Rain for the West Coast of the South Island, heavy at times with thunderstorms. Areas of rain move onto the west of the North Island from afternoon, rain may be heavy at times then easing later on.

A southerly change moving through Canterbury late afternoon / evening brings showers, some of which may be heavy with hail. Low risk of a thunderstorm also.

Purple – Gusty northwesterlies about some parts of the country during the day, winds may gust to gale at times especially through Cook Strait and about coastal Southland.

– 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