Thunderstorms and heavy downpours are crossing northern NZ on Thursday, clearing early Friday – then a cold change moves into the south while a windy sou’west flow develop nationwide.

The long weekend looks windy in exposed places with showers off the Tasman Sea for those along the western side of the nation, and around Southland too.

Driest and mildest weather will be at the top of NZ and the eastern side.

Next week another low may form – we show you the modelling for that.