Good weather forecast for today's big sporting events

The rain should stay away for today's second ODI between the Black Caps and South Africa. Photo / Dean Purcell

Good news for cricket fans in Napier and football fans in Auckland - the rain should hopefully stay away for the Black Caps and the All Whites games today.

The Black Caps are set to take on South Africa at Napier's McLean Park at 2pm and will be seeking revenge after losing the first One Day International on Saturday by six wickets.

MetService meteorologist Dan Corbett said it should stay dry in the Hawkes Bay, with the mercury reaching around 20-21 degrees Celsius this afternoon.

The forecast is similar in Auckland, where the All Whites take on Jamaica at Mt Smart at 7.30pm, in their first home game in more than a year.

"There's a small risk of a passing shower, but the frontal rain coming in from the north comes overnight. The same thing in Napier," Mr Corbett said.

However, after a week of relatively calm and mild weather, tomorrow will see the winds pick up and the temperature drop around much of the country.

"The trough crossing the country early on Thursday is quite dynamic," Mr Corbett said.
"With it comes a change to strong cool south-westerlies. To some, it will feel cold. The upside is that in many places, Thursday should be a reasonably fine day."

On Friday, the winds are expected to ease off as a low approaches from the Tasman Sea.

"Saturday is likely to be windy and wet in many places, as this low crosses the North Island and a cool southerly flow spreads over the country.

"There is a chance of some severe weather on Saturday, which may affect the Ironman New Zealand event in Taupo and the Karapoti Classic event in Wellington, so keep an eye on the latest MetService forecasts and warnings. Sunday should see conditions ease, clearing to fine weather over the north and west of both islands."

- HERALD ONLINE