Friday 3 January – area of low pressure brings rain or showers to much of the country

Rain or showers affecting many areas. Thunderstorms likely over many North Island and upper South Island areas.

There is a moderate risk of severe thunderstorms over the far north of Canterbury, Marlborough south of Blenheim, and the Nelson Lakes District, with localised downpours of 25 to 40 mm/h. Average summer temperatures for most.

Place(s) to be, Gisborne with a fine morning and Fiordland with a crisp fine afternoon and evening.

Saturday 4 January – average summer day with showers affecting some areas

Fine in Westland and becoming fine over much of the lower and central North Island. Otherwise showers.

Average summer temperatures for most.

Place(s) to be, Tauranga reaching a high of 24C and Hokitika with 21C.
 
Outlook for Sunday and Monday

A low to the east of the country and a high over the Tasman Sea direct a cool south-westerly flow across the nation.

Showers over the North Island and the upper South Island but a ridge of high pressure brings fine weather to the lower South Island.

Showers persist over the lower North Island but the remainder of the nation is mainly fine.