Northwesterlies develop today with a front moving into western regions late afternoon / evening. A northerly airflow strengthens later on Thursday then a front pushes onto the west of the South Island overnight bringing heavy rain. This front slowly moves northwards to reach the North Island later in the evening on Friday.

Wednesday

Blue – Rain becoming heavy about some parts of the West Coast (South Island) from late afternoon then easing later in the evening. Rain may be heavy for a time about the western North Island in the evening then easing overnight.

Late afternoon or evening northwesterly winds are brisk in the west and through Cook Strait.

Thursday

Blue – Later on Thursday or overnight expect heavy rain to move into South Westland, torrential falls possible.

Purple – Northerly winds may rise to gale about many parts of the South Island overnight, also through Cook Strait.

Yellow – For the first time this spring temperatures are starting to approach the mid 20 degree mark about the eastern North Island. For the most part it probably won’t get there but 23 degrees is possible.

Friday

Heavy rain moves northwards along the West Coast of the South Island during the day, reaching the western North Island later in the evening then passing over from west to east overnight. Strong to gale northerly winds ease for the South Island from late afternoon or evening. Becoming strong about northeastern parts of the North Island later in the evening then easing by dawn on Saturday.

– 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