Wednesday signals change in our prevailing weather patterns, meaning an end to the relatively settled autumn conditions over much of the country.

Rain and showers move in as part of a new frontal system, which will bring westerly winds and wet weather to some parts of New Zealand for the rest of the week.

Wednesday

Light blue: Rain and showers in the western extremities of both the South Island and North Island.

It’s once again shaping up mostly cloudy for much of the North Island, with showers at times in the west, and sunny areas and some high cloud out east. 
High cloud increases in the east of the South Island, along with the odd spot of rain.

 

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.

– 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