A gusty northwesterly airflow lies over the country today with a front slowly moving over the upper North Island this morning. Gusty northwesterlies continue on Thursday. Friday sees yet another front move in from the Tasman Sea, hitting the South Island from afternoon then the North Island overnight.

Wednesday

Blue – A band of rain with heavy falls and thunderstorms moves northeast over the upper North Island this morning, easing in the afternoon for most although perhaps not about Northland till evening.

The West Coast of the South Island is looking to receive heavy falls and possible thunderstorms during the day.

Purple – Northwesterlies are brisk to strong for many parts of New Zealand today, gales are not looking overly likely but winds may gust into this range at times.

Thursday

Blue – Areas of rain along the West Coast may continue to be heavy at times with a risk of thunderstorms.

Showers for most of the western North Island during the day, chance of a heavy fall or two although not as likely as the western South Island.

Purple – Northwesterly winds are brisk to strong through central parts of New Zealand during the day. Gales through Cook Strait and perhaps about parts of North Canterbury / Marlborough.

Friday

A front moving onto the South Island in the afternoon from the west brings heavy rain to the West Coast, spreading northwards then moving onto the western North Island towards dawn on Saturday. Northwesterlies naturally are looking to be brisk / strong for many parts of New Zealand ahead of this front, winds are strongest about the inner South Island in the afternoon and elsewhere late afternoon / 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