The two risks around New Zealand on Thursday are once again our old friends – wind and rain.

Wind

Northwesterlies may be particularly strong afternoon and evening anywhere from Wellington, down through the South Island (especially in the east).
The lower South Island about Southland and Otago is not in for strong winds.
So winds in the above mentioned areas may gust to gale at times during the afternoon hours, especially in exposed areas.

Rain

Rain for the West Coast of the South Island may be heavy during the day, while from afternoon onwards seems the best time with a chance of thunderstorms too.

From Northland down through to the Central North Island and the Bay of Plenty, there’s the chance of heavy showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon hours, then easing in the evening at some point.
There may be some heavy rain early on in the morning but this should ease fairly quick, west of the North Island Auckland southwards and the Bay Of Plenty.
Bay Of Plenty’s rain may longer a little longer in the morning however, as the region as a whole is further to the east meaning the front needs a little more time to move over the area.

Main Centres

Auckland

Warm and wet, with intermittent showers through the day – including some heavy – while breezy northwest winds blow through too – and a high in the mid 20s.

Wellington

Mostly fine in the capital with breezy to strong northwest winds through the day, and rain setting in overnight – still relatively warm though, with a high in the early to mid 20s.

Christchurch

Sunny and fine with a mix of cloud through the day, though it will still be warm, as northwest winds gust at times – temperatures around the mid 20s here too.

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

– Photo: Chris Johnson