A low and front combination moves out of the Tasman Sea and affects the South Island today while a northwesterly airflow lies over the North Island. This front pushes over the North Island on Thursday although it does gradually weaken, southerlies ease over the South Island. A ridge lies over the North Island on Friday while a northeasterly airflow increases over the South.

Wednesday

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

Purple – North to northwesterly winds about the top of the South Island and through Cook Strait will be strong with a risk of winds gusting to gale at times. Winds about the top of the South Island a strongest overnight.

Yellow – Temperatures for the east of the North Island getting into the late 20’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.

Friday

Blue – Heavy rain for the West Coast of the South Island overnight.

Purple – Gusty northeasterly winds develop about coastal areas of the South Island from afternoon.

Yellow – Temperatures getting into the mid to late 20’s in the areas marked below for the 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