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.