A front and low combination that we have mentioned the last few days is still forecast to bring some very heavy rain to the West Coast from Thursday afternoon and into Friday. Northerly quarter winds ahead of this front will be very strong for coastal parts along the West Coast, Canterbury / Marlborough (especially inland), through Cook Strait and about the lower North Island.

Check out the latest watches and warnings put up from Metservice in regards to this system here.

Thunderstorms will likely feature for the West Coast late Thursday and into Friday and potentially a south to southwest change moving up the east coast of the South Island in the afternoon / evening brings the chance of a few thunderstorms also.