Weather: Warm temperatures to plummet with strong gusts, heavy rain

  • Updated
  • 23/10/2018

Temperatures around the country are about to plummet as a ridge of high pressure moves away.

Weather Watch warns some regions in the South Island will lose 10 to 15degC off their recent afternoon temperatures - and the cool weather will affect the North Island too.

"A front will finally muscle its way onto the lower South Island tomorrow and gradually move north over the rest of the country, bringing an end to the dry spell and warm temperatures," MetService says.

MetService had earlier said the warm weather will continue over the week.

The south of the South Island will be hit by a burst of heavy rain on Wednesday as the cool air takes over. Wellington can also expect the return of strong gusty northerlies as northwest winds strengthen ahead of the front.

"As the front moves north on Thursday, both sides of the South Island, as well as the lower North Island, receive a dose of rain," MetService says.

"The Thursday forecast maximum temperature for Christchurch is a chilly 16degC, compared to the balmy 26degC expected on Wednesday.

"A similar drop in temperature behind the front is expected over the eastern coasts of the North Island on Friday even though the front greatly weakens (as does the rain band) as it moves north over Northland."

Weather Watch warns the North Island may see some heavy downpours on Saturday.

Newshub.