We take a look at the forecast for the New Zealand area through until Wednesday next week and the forecast shows more downpours across today and Friday with thunderstorms, hail and the chances of localised flash flooding.

However as we head into Saturday the South Island should notice a change with downpours not so likely and thunder not in the forecast.

By Sunday the entire country looks dry, or mainly dry, with a very low risk of further thunder. Into next week and high pressure dominates but some patchy rain may return to Fiordland – the first time in a couple of weeks.