Rain and wind are the risk factors in Thursday’s weather – though neither represents a significant or grave threat.

A rain band brings heavy falls for the West Coast of the South Island both morning and evening, with dry spells in between.
Nothing the coast isn’t used to, but still a factor in the South Island weather – as spillover into the rest of the island is possible too, if rain is heavy enough.
The rain could bring risks of thunderstorms here too, if conditions are right – so something else to look out for.

Speaking of thunder, storms are also possible in northern Taranaki, especially overnight – as heavy falls of rain affect that part of the country too.

And in wind, the Cook Strait will once again see gusty northwesterly conditions, possibly reaching gale force at times in the strait.

– Aaron Wilkinson & Drew Chappell, WeatherWatch.co.nz

– Photo: Chris Johnson