We still have a light and humid north to northeasterly airflow over New Zealand today, flowing around a large high that is situated well out to the east of the country in the Pacific Ocean. Trouble is on the horizon as a low forms in the north Tasman Sea later today, dropping down towards the North Island on Thursday.

For the North Island conditions are mostly dry this morning, there may be an isolated shower or two about the place. It’s mainly this afternoon where we see the potential for heavy showers and thunderstorms much like yesterday, these will typically form about inland hills and ranges then ease later this evening.

For the South Island there is the smidgen of a chance of some drizzle first thing along the West Coast, Nelson / Marlborough and about Canterbury associated with any morning cloud, this will then clear away. During this afternoon the attention turns to inland hills and ranges where cloud build ups will produce isolated showers, some may be heavy with thunderstorms then easing later this evening. Being isolated in nature means some may remain completely dry today.

WeatherWatch.co.nz

Image – Wednesday 03rd January 1pm MSLP / Rain map – weathermap.co.nz