WeatherWatch.co.nz and NZHerald.co.nz team up to bring you the latest on the ash cloud over New Zealand and the likely tracking, plus the latest on the incoming southerly change.

At this stage it appears the ash is thinning out but could still bring issues into the start of the weekend – mostly with Qantas and JetStar who continue to refuse flying, despite the Civil Aviation Authority and the Darwin Volcanic Ash advisory centre both maintaining that flying around and beneath this ash cloud is perfectly safe. 

Rainwise and we have a low crossing the North Island – it’s currently bringing thunderstorms to some northern centres – although the energy is now shifting into the Bay of Plenty area. 

Please note this video was recorded this morning (apologies for the late display here at WeatherWatch.co.nz), so the lightning animation is now a bit out of date.

We also have the latest on the incoming southerly change that should see snow on Mt Ruapehu this weekend and next week, along with a large high expected to bring frosty weather by the start of July for most of the country.