A low moves over the North Island on Thursday bringing unsettled conditions, southwesterlies further south.

Rain or showers for much of the North Island on Thursday, becoming heavy from afternoon about Northland down to Waikato in the evening as southwesterlies strengthen.

Rain or showers for much of the upper South Island, becoming intense for inland areas from mid afternoon then easing overnight. The lower South Island has a mainly dry day, perhaps a shower or two about Southland.

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz