A ridge lies over the upper North Island today while a northwesterly airflow covers the rest of New Zealand, meanwhile a front lies over the lower South Island. A low and front combination moves out of the Tasman Sea and affects the South Island on Wednesday while a northwesterly airflow lies over the North Island. This front pushes over the North Island on Thursday although it does gradually weaken.

Tuesday

Blue – Isolated showers over some upper North Island areas (inland being the best spot for this), the risk for thunderstorms is not very high although it is possible.

Heavy rain moves onto Fiordland overnight.

Purple – Northwesterlies through Cook Strait will be strong at times from midday.

Yellow – Hot temperatures for eastern parts of the North Island, getting into the late 20’s for some.

Wednesday

Blue – Heavy rain spreads northwards along the West Coast of the South Island during the day, easing later in the evening.

Purple – Northwesterlies through Cook Strait will be strong with a risk of winds gusting to gale at times.

Yellow – Another hot day, temperatures for the east of the North Island may even reach the early 30’s. Inland Northland getting into the mid 20’s, late 20’s possible although not as likely.

Thursday

While some persistent areas of rain will affect the top of the South Island, lower North Island and Northland at certain times during the day heavy falls are not looking likely at this stage.

– 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