The start of the second cold blast this week is only just getting going. Friday is the ‘warmer’ side of the system producing plenty of heavy downpours in the west and north along with isolated thunderstorms and hail.

This weekend winds shift more southerly, especially on Sunday, and this is when the true polar portion moves in dropping temperatures across Sunday and Monday nationwide – but things will also be drying out further for many (with exception of the North Island’s east coast which becomes wetter and colder in the several days ahead).

Here’s the latest update on conditions:

– WeatherWatch.co.nz