A northwesterly airflow lies over New Zealand today, a front within this flow pushes northwards over the South Island during the day. This front crosses onto the North Island on Wednesday however in a much more weakened state, a ridge builds over the South Island then the North Island later in the day. An anticyclone moves out to the east on Thursday as a northeasterly airflow develops.

Tuesday

Blue – As a front pushes northwards along the West Coast of the South Island during today there may be a few spots of heavy rain. Only a shower symbol as yes while rain may be heavy at times, by West Coast standards it will be a fairly run of the mill situation.

Temperatures getting just into freezing territory for some inland areas early this morning.

Purple – Northwesterly winds through Cook Strait are brisk to strong, easing later in the evening.

Wednesday

Blue – A ridge brings a cold start to inland parts of the South Island, not a severe frost but in the region of 0 to -2 degrees celsius for the areas shaded in blue below. Central Otago will likely see the coldest temperatures.

A decaying front brings showers to the western side of the North Island during the day between Taranaki and Auckland, also across into the Bay Of Plenty from afternoon.

Thursday

Blue – A cold start for inland areas, it is winter after all. Not a big frost but the potential is there for some areas in blue below to get down to the 0 to -2 degree celsius range.

– 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