A front sits over central New Zealand on Thursday, and while it weakens a fair amount, it only moves slowly north, and slows down even further – meaning it’s here to stay.

Meanwhile a high pressure system quickly moves in behind this front over the South Island, and a high centred northeast of the North Island stretches over the North Island, weakening and pushing away a little as that front pushes it out.

The North Island is fairly cloudy as a result, with northerly winds, and the chance of a shower in the upper North Island – otherwise it’s mainly dry.
The West of the North Island (Taranaki southwards) has spells of rain during the day.
The East Coast has plenty of thick high cloud, while rain in the Wairarapa eases during the afternoon.
Spots of rain fall around Hawkes Bay, while Gisborne stays mainly dry.

For Buller, Nelson and Marlborough, early rain eases in intensity, however it hangs around until evening and lingers overnight.
Canterbury and the West Coast both see early rain or showers clear, then sunny areas develop – though winds are mainly light.
Early showers in Southland and Otago clear, giving way to sunny conditions.

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