A large frontal system finally arrives in New Zealand on Thursday, sweeping over the North Island first from the Tasman Sea.

Associated strong northeasterly winds develop over the upper North Island in the afternoon, becoming gusty by evening further south.
Rain falls in the upper North Island – becoming heavy at times, especially in the east, while rain also becomes heavy overnight from Gisborne to Wairarapa.

The South Island is mostly cloudy in the east, while some high cloud thickens on the West Coast.
Southland and Otago see mostly sunny spells, and avoid the worst of the weather altogether on Thursday!

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