A cold southerly, heavy rain, the risk of thunder and gale force winds make up the forecast for Wednesday and Thursdays predicts WeatherWatch.co.nz.

The weather news authority says an incoming southerly and a developing low will help create a turbulent few days with a significant temperature drop for some regions, while others will see more wind and rain.

While confidence of rain warnings remains low to moderate at this stage, the slow moving front – running into high air pressure over northern New Zealand – means rain warnings can’t be ruled out as rain clouds may linger for longer. 

But whether or not the rain and wind reach warning criteria it doesn’t remove the fact that many regions are in for wind, cold and rain… or all three.

The main front will move into Southland on Wednesday – and by Thursday the sou’wester will strengthen. 

WeatherWatch.co.nz says the air is coming from half way between Antarctica and Australia – which is usually a cool wind direction with low humidity.

The colder air will see places like Invercargill drop from the low 20s over the past few days to around 14 degrees on Thursday.

This mix of warm and cold air may generate a few thunderstorms around the country over Wednesday and Thursday as well.

Some more remote parts of Southland and Otago may fail to even reach the teens at the highest point on Thursday.

For the North Island rain and showers will push into many places over Wednesday and Thursday – mainly in the west – with Taranaki and surrounding regions most exposed to prolonged rainy spells due to the front’s movement being slowed down by higher air pressure in the north.

By Saturday a fairly brisk and cool sou’wester will return – but for sheltered areas and for those in the north east of both islands the weather may be sunny and still fairly hot during the day.

– Homepage image / Simon Williams

– WeatherWatch.co.nz