Updated 7:19am — It’s a warm one nationwide today but the rain clouds are thickening as a weak low and front move in from the Tasman Sea.

Rain clouds will increase along the West Coast with more rain and showers across Southland, Otago and South Canterbury. An isolated thunderstorm is possible today, perhaps more so on the West Coast but some low risk for eastern areas.

On Friday this rain band moves into the North Island and upper South Island – but without the thunderstorm threat. It means a wet end to the week for many holidaymakers either returning, or, planning on setting off.

While today will be warmer than average in most regions we do have yet another colder change coming for the South Island tomorrow, Friday. Once again this means eastern areas will be colder than usual with Canterbury a few to several degrees below normal temperature-wise on Friday. But not today, today it will be normal in coastal areas and a few degrees above normal inland.

Winds today are light for most of NZ although nor’westers through Wellington and Cook Strait will pick up. On Friday a cooler southerly flow spreads up the South Island and while not dramatic it’s more than likely to spark a few more complaints about a spluttering summer in the south.

Refer to your 10 day HOURLY LOCAL forecast to really get the most of your forecast! Have a great Thursday!