New Zealand is currently being affected by a very rare set up – a large belt of high pressure with a small low perfectly in the middle of it. It’s a bit like a high pressure donut – which sounds like Homer Simpson’s ultimate dream.

This set up means light winds for the most part but the small low will add some spice to the weather pattern, turning a quiet and sleepy high into one that delivers big afternoon downpours through both islands. Some isolated thunder is also expected.

This pattern remains with NZ until Monday. We also track Cyclone Owen which has reformed and has an interesting week ahead for him which may impact a number of Australian eastern main centres.