All of New Zealand has a burst of wind and rain coming (again) but the good news is it will be short lived and will mainly clear up for the weekend (just lingering a bit in the North Island’s east, from Wellington to Gisborne on Saturday).

Rain spreads across the country on Thursday with heavy falls here and there and isolated hail and thunder. As we transition from warmer NW winds to colder southerlies snow will move in.

Snow may be short lived for some South Island areas but it could fall right down to 100m or even lower for a time. However, like rain showers, snow showers are also hit and miss – not everyone will get it. 

Snow is likely to impact alpine passes and maybe the Desert road for a time too so motorists be aware. Black ice may also cause some issues early Friday and Saturday mornings.

Into Saturday and showers fade from the North Island’s east coast gradually across the day while most other regions enjoy sunny, calm weather (with morning frosts) as a big high rolls in for Saturday and Sunday.