On Thursday we have a strong northwesterly airflow over the South Island, as well as a front within this flow, moving north during the day.

Weather risks mainly affect the east of the South Island – before this front moves through – as north to northwesterly winds will be gusty, possibly strong, about inland areas.
This will affect Canterbury in particular, and perhaps Marlborough to a lesser extent too.
There is a low risk winds may gust to gale, through the usual exposed areas.

Rain on the West Coast of the South Island is heavy at times – especially afternoon and evening – as this front moves northwards.

Winds during the day will be brisk to strong from the northwest through the Cook Strait area, but there’s only a low risk of winds gusting to gale.

Main Centres

Auckland

Staying warm in Auckland, cloudy areas and some sun dominate, especially from afternoon onwards. There is the risk of a brief shower or two about also, otherwise staying mainly dry and humid, with northeasters, and a high in the early 20s.

Wellington

Not so hot in Wellington, shaping up to stay mostly cloudy through the day, with brisk north to northwesterly winds and a high in the late teens.

Christchurch

Another scorcher in Canterbury, high cloud thickens from morning, while northerly winds become breezy (gusty or perhaps strong inland) and a high in the mid to late 20s.

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

– Photo: Chris Johnson