A ridge gradually weakens for the South Island and lower North Island today while low pressure further north weakens also. Overnight a front pushes in from the west. A series of fronts pass over the country on Friday then a westerly airflow tends more southwest on Saturday.

Thursday

Blue – In the afternoon / evening isolated heavy showers develop about the Waikato / Bay Of Plenty then easing later on. Chance of a thunderstorm within these showers also.

Heavy rain about Gisborne / East Cape eases this morning.

Purple – Northeasterlies becoming gusty / strong about coastal Fiordland this evening.

Friday

Blue – An afternoon southwest change pushes into Southland / Otago bringing heavy showers, thunderstorms and hail possible too especially about coastal Otago.

A nice day for the North Island’s east coast, sunny areas and some high cloud. Temperatures reaching into the high teens.

Saturday

Showers about the upper South Island and also the eastern North Island may become heavy with a risk of thunderstorms and hail during the afternoon then easing in the evening.

– 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