A rapidly deeping depression moves southwards today out of the Tasman Sea to lie west of the North Island later this evening / overnight. With this low comes strong winds and heavy rain for the North Island, reaching the upper South Island later today or overnight. Conditions for most of the South Island are mainly settled however inland areas may become unstable this afternoon.

The odd shower for the upper North Island, turning to rain about Northland this morning as a frontal band moves in. This rain reaches Auckland around midday then the Waikato and Bay Of Plenty during this afternoon. This rain will be heavy with torrential falls possible especially in the east. Rain will ease later this evening or overnight to showers.

The lower North Island is a bit drier this morning, still there may be an isolated shower or two about the place. This afternoon showers become heavy with a chance of thunderstorms about inland hills and ranges then easing by evening. Late afternoon heavy rain moves into Taranaki then spreading further southwards during the evening. While rain about the lower North Island may be heavy it is not looking as bad as for the upper North Island, still Taranaki and East Cape will be places to watch for torrential falls.

For most of the South Island conditions are mainly dry this morning although there may be a morning drizzle patch or two for the lower South Island. This afternoon showers develop for inland hills and ranges with a chance of heavy falls and thunderstorms then easing this evening. Later this evening and overnight heavy rain moves into Nelson and Marlborough then towards dawn on Friday heavy rain reaches Canterbury.

A busy day for sure and for some too much rain in one go. Please keep up to date with Metservices watches and warnings concerning conditions today and tomorrow. Also weather stories here at WeatherWatch.co.nz.

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Image – Thursday 04th January 4pm MSLP / Rain map – weathermap.co.nz