On Thursday it’s fairly settled in the morning in both islands, before things get a little more interesting in the afternoon – as the country sits under a high pressure system – though a weak trough of lower pressure forms over both islands in the afternoon.

Light winds are the only feature of note before lunchtime, along with any morning low cloud or fog – though this clears away from parts of the North Island, and also coastal Canterbury.

In the afternoon, cloud builds about the lower South Island, and inland North Island areas, while isolated showers move in late in the afternoon or evening – becoming heavy with thunderstorms, and then clearing later on.
Winds are light, with afternoon sea breezes for many.

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