Gales, squalls, thunderstorms and heavy rain make up NZ’s forecast in the days ahead – although some in the east will certainly have long, dry, sunny spells too.

Eastern areas are mostly dry compared to your western neighbours with heavy rain at times for the west of both main islands. Thunderstorms will also be in the mix – again mainly for the west.

A brief temperature drop comes in this Thursday and Saturday for the lower South Island – nothing too major but certainly noticeable.

In Australia the bulk of the rain is actually around Broome and WA, with some making it as far inland as Alice Springs. Elsewhere, a few showers but high pressure is on the way again (departing this weekend as the next spring-system moves in).

⚡️Current #Thunderstorms across #NewZealand.

The cold front has moved in to the West Coast but for the North Island it's not until tonight/overnight.

Many moving parts to this…once the cold front moves through the squally showers are more likely + a new wave of T-Storms. pic.twitter.com/SkmBpcJpY7

— WeatherWatch.co.nz (@WeatherWatchNZ) November 22, 2022

⚡️12:15pm #Animation shows: Current #thunderstorms + windflow:

⚠️Official @MetService warnings & watches here:https://t.co/7xoHniWE4o

📡Track Live Rain Radar here: https://t.co/sZ6VGdTVQY

🚨How high is the risk where you are? Thunderstorm Risk Maps: https://t.co/LVtkFshZJL pic.twitter.com/Ir9Gcb3e2m

— WeatherWatch.co.nz (@WeatherWatchNZ) November 21, 2022