Situation

A series of cold fronts push north over the Country today from the southwest, the leading cold front morphs into an occluded front as it draws in moisture from the sub tropics. Winds are generally strong from the northerly quarter ahead of the change then swinging around to the south or southwest.

Heavy rain is likely for most western regions and the top of the South Island. After this system moves through we can expected some calmer weather for a time although there is the odd weak front next week heading in from the southwest at times.

Rain

Wet for many regions today, heavy in the west and about the top of the South Island. Rain for Otago moves north through Canterbury this morning and into the afternoon. Spits of rain for Wairarapa becoming more persistent this afternoon then rain spreading north in the east this evening.

Temperatures

Temperatures will cool down today although it may feel mild first thing this morning for Canterbury before southwesterlies move in. The North Island is still warm with highs in the late teens, perhaps even early twenties out east but it will cool down from evening as our southwest front pushes in.

Look out for a chance of frost on Saturday morning especially in regards to the South Island.

Winds

Strong northerlies for the top of the South Island and North Island with gales through Cook Strait. As a southwest change moves north winds will be strong for coastal areas, southwesterlies ramp up for the South Island this afternoon then reaching the North Island later this afternoon or evening.

Upcoming potential severe weather

Heavy rain, strong winds and perhaps some thunder is on the cards today. The western North Island and central New Zealand to an extent will be most affected. Check out the latest watches and warnings from Metservice here.

Today’s thunderstorm outlook can be seen here.

Main story image: 10:13am rain radar imagery courtesy of MetService.