Rains are expected to dampen the end of the work week, but sunny skies could soon be on their way.
MetService said most of New Zealand is likely to experience rain and showers because of a low-pressure centre currently over the central part of the country that is movingsouth.
As it travels, the centre will spread rain to most regions before sitting in the southeast of the country by the end of the day.
MetService said a damp day should be expected overall, with some areas experiencing heavy downpours and strong winds.
A strong wind watch was in place until 2pm for southern parts of the North Island, such as Wairarapa and Wellington, with gust speeds expected to reach 90km/h in exposed places.
Thunderstorms could occur in Auckland, Northland, inland Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and the central North Island, in addition to localised downpours and possible hail.
Wet weather is expected to hit most of the country before sunny skies appear at the weekend. Photo / MetService
“Although it’s a rain-filled day for Canterbury and Christchurch today [Thursday],” the weather improves on Friday – just in time for Canterbury Anniversary Day,” MetService meteorologist Oscar Shiviti said.
MetService has predicted rain will clear for most of the South island on Friday, except for in the western ranges.
The North Island will have a short reprieve from the rain before another band moves in from the west in the morning, lasting into the evening.
Thunderstorms and hail are also possible in Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay and eastern Bay of Plenty on Friday.
The wet weather continues into Saturday morning in the North Island as a rain-bearing front arrives, after moving up the South Island on Friday afternoon.
Rain is also forecast for Queenstown on Saturday, with MetService warning those running the annual marathon of a soggy course.
“Sunday is the pick of the weekend for all wanting to enjoy a sunny day outdoors, as a ridge of high pressure sweeps in from the Tasman Sea and thus sunnier skies with calm winds [prevail] across the country,” said Shiviti.
The sunshine is expected to continue into early next week, with warmer temperatures likely in particular for the South Island and lower North Island.
