Heavy rain in the north-eastern South Island, and severe gales through central NZ and the top of the North Island will bring a messy end to April and start to May weatherwise.

We break down where the rain will be heaviest, winds the strongest – and when the southerly change arrives, dropping temperatures.

There’s a chance of some heavy rain in the lower North Island too – and some random other spots around the North Island.

Meanwhile, once the first weekend of May arrives a powerful high pressure zone is drifting our way – and will bring a mostly settled and dry first week to May.

*Programming Note: Our May ClimateWatch update for NZ/Australia will be out later on Thursday.