Rain or showers for much of the western North Island today including Bay Of Plenty, expect heavy falls about northern Taranaki and the Central North Island then easing later in the afternoon. Wellington stays largely dry all day. The east coast is mostly dry also however scattered falls spread from the west into Hawkes Bay from afternoon, clearing evening.

Showers for the West Coast of the South Island are heavy at times with thunderstorms and hail, mainly dry in the east however during the afternoon showers develop for Southland and Otago, some may be heavy with thunder then easing in the evening.

Showers continue for western parts of the country on Friday with morning thunderstorms for the West Coast, showers ease in the evening. The east coast continues it’s mainly dry streak however Southland, Otago and perhaps South Canterbury gets some shower activity then clearing away in the evening.

This coming weekend is full of strong westerly quarter winds, fronts and heavy rain for western regions. This is especially true as we move into late Saturday / overnight and into Sunday.

For rainfall accumulation maps for 1, 2 and 3 days out please visit our new maps page: https://www.weatherwatch.co.nz/maps-radars/rain/accumulative-rainfall

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz