New Zealand is in for a week of similar weather with a very strong and large anticyclone remaining parked east of the country but spreading high pressure over both islands.

Today we see more inland downpours forming in both islands with the risk of severe thunderstorms. Conditions remain warmer than average through inland parts of the South Island too, by several degrees.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty
Mostly cloudy but some sunny spells. Winds mainly from the east to north east. Chance of a light brief shower in Northland in that easterly flow.
Highs: 21-26

Western North Island (including Central North Island)
A similar day to yesterday with conditions becoming cloudy for many areas and large areas of rain developing through the Central Plateau area and spreading during the afternoon and early evening. Some downpours will have thunder and storms may drift further west than the ones on Sunday, further into National Park area (but this may change, we’ll be live tracking them this afternoon once the downpours properly kick in).
Highs: 21-24

Eastern North Island
Cloudy areas, especially inland where rain may develop around the ranges during the afternoon with heavy downpours and isolated thunderstorms. Should remain dry at the coast but a chance of spits further east and even an eastern downpour. (We’ll be monitoring this afternoon in our news feed).
Highs: 21-24

Wellington
A mix of sun and cloud with light winds mainly from the north.
Highs: 21-24

Marlborough & Nelson
A fairly hot day, especially inland. A mix of sun and cloud with afternoon cloud build ups producing big downpours and possible thunderstorms on the ranges further south. 
Highs: 23-28

Canterbury
Winds mainly off the sea with cloudy areas continuing, building in the afternoon with a few showers and isolated downpours possible inland around the mountains.
Highs: 19-23

West Coast
Mostly Sunny with afternoon sea breezes and big cloud build ups on the mountains towards the glaciers producing possible thunderstorms in the afternoon.
Highs: 22-24

Southland & Otago
Mostly sunny with light winds. Afternoon cloud build ups through Central Otago area may produce thunderstorms (at this stage between Queenstown and Alexandra is highest risk, but this may change today – we’ll live monitor this afternoon so check our news feed for additional updates).
Highs: 19-27

– WeatherWatch.co.nz