A storm exiting Australia will bring a burst of wind to the lower South Island on Friday and lift temperatures above normal nationwide, then it turns cooler and showery into the weekend. A new low pressure zone will form around the North Island on Sunday bringing instability, some rain and perhaps an isolated thunderstorm or downpour.

It will also bring in some rain to Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne. Next week is showery with long dry spells in the east and north – but cooler air flows for most regions, especially Southland.

We also have quick look at the forecast for Bathurst this weekend in Australia.

*Programming note: Our weekly Australia-only 7 day forecast is also out today (and each and every Thursday).