Our weather pattern is certainly in the middle of a significant change – with a strong northwesterly airflow settling in over much of the country, bringing gale force winds and rain, and pushing some temperatures higher in eastern parts of the country.

Thursday

Dark blue: Heavy rain on the West Coast of the South Island.

Green: Gale force northwest winds for the eastern South Island and Cook Strait.

A strong west to northwesterly airflow develops over New Zealand, bringing gales for much of the middle of the country, while heavy rain develops for the West Coast of the South Island.

Friday

Dark blue: Heavy rain on the West Coast of the South Island.

Green: Gale force northwest winds for the eastern South Island, Cook Strait and western parts of the North Island.

That northwest airflow continues, bringing strong winds – possibly up to gale force at times – for the western North Island and in areas further south.

Saturday

Light Blue: Rain and showers continue on the West Coast of the South Island

Sunny areas and some cloud for much of the North Island, while rain and showers persist in the west of the South Island, and high cloud sticks around for the east.

– Please note, the idea behind this update is to focus on the main weather highlights, so that’s why not all regions are mentioned. 
For specific 10 day information for your city, town, rural community or island please see the 1000 forecasts on our homepage!

– Aaron Wilkinson & Drew Chappell, WeatherWatch.co.nz