A ridge covers most of the country today spreading out from a high in the Tasman Sea. Still mostly high pressure on Friday although it will weaken during the day as a northwesterly airflow gradually builds over the lower South Island. A front moves onto Southland overnight then this pushes northwards on Saturday.

Thursday

Blue – Only a slight risk of a light frost about the Central North Island early this morning

Yellow – Afternoon temperatures reaching into the low 20’s across many parts of the South Island especially inland, also inland Bay Of Plenty across to about Taupo. The lower South Island (Southland and inland Otago) may see late afternoon temperatures reaching into the mid to late 20’s.

Friday

Yellow – High’s reaching into the low 20’s across many inland parts of New Zealand on Friday, mid to late 20’s is possible again mainly about inland eastern Otago / Southland. A low chance temperatures may approach the mid 20’s for inland Taranaki.

Saturday

High’s in the mid 20’s for the eastern North Island on Saturday as a northwesterly airflow builds, winds becoming gusty through central New Zealand during the day. Rain about Fiordland may be heavy in the morning then easing around midday.

– 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