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Discussion
We're in for two stinking hot days over much of New Zealand as a High Pressure system battles a Low in the Southern Ocean. Strong nor'westerlies will spread across the usual places while inland in the North Island light winds will mean that heat wont blow away. We're in for at least two days of temperatures in the mid to late 20s in the North and lower 30s for many who live in the South.
Thunderstorms?
Our government forecaster, MetService, has issued a Thunderstorm Outlook for late today along the South Island's east coast - yep, that's you again Canterbury. As I write this blog they have a moderate level of confidence for thunderstorms this afternoon in Canterbury and a lower chance for places like Kaikoura and Dunedin. Keep an eye on our live and free Lightning Tracker here.
Cloud?
Cloudy periods over the South Island - thickening and turning to showers around Dunedin and Southland. In the North Island some harmless clouds are expected, especially in western coastal areas. Nothing with rain in it though.
Sun?
In the east, from Christchurch to Gisborne, with Bay of Plenty, Rotorua and Taupo being my sunniest picks.
Wind?
Yep - over the South Island's eastern and northern coasts, plus Wellington and Wairarapa. In Northland that area of low pressure north of New Zealand will start to drive easterlies in either later today or tomorrow. They'll get stronger from Auckland northwards as the week goes on.
Severe Weather?
As I said those easterlies will develop over Northland in the next 24 hours. They'll build as a large area of low pressure forms north of New Zealand. Like yesterday, we're confident of a low forming but not confident of it's path...however it's looking increasingly likely that it will develop into a particularly nasty system and could deliver heavy rain and possibly gales to northern and north eastern New Zealand this weekend. I'll update in more detail about this low tomorrow - and of course you can see more weather news at weatherwatch.co.nz.
Next Update: Thursday morning
