The tail end of the current low pressure system continues to spread across New Zealand, in the form of strengthening sou’westers and colder air.

A few heavy showers remain, caught up in the fast moving winds.

As the low continues to deepen and track east, the south west flow is likely to strengthen…before easing again later on Thursday and Friday.

Temperatures are also dropping – and tonight will be a colder night for many parts of the country along with Thursday morning.

Windy weather remains on Thursday but the peak of the winds will have passed for many and air pressure along the western side of New Zealand will grow as a high moves in from the Tasman Sea towards Friday and the weekend.

Meanwhile the strong south to south west winds will push east of the country over the next 48 hours. 

The Chatham Islands are once again exposed to stormy conditions with gales, thunderstorms and big seas developing.

The weekend looks settled for 95% of New Zealand with just a few showers around the far edges, like Fiordland.

– WeatherWatch.co.nz