A front moving slowly eastwards continues to bring heavy rain to parts of northern and central New Zealand today, and Severe Weather Warnings and Watches remain in force for many regions. Another front spreads a south to southwest wind change up the South Island from afternoon, while upper temperatures cool, making the atmosphere more unstable. There is mostly a low risk of thunderstorms for the west of the South Island from Westland to western Tasman after midday. However, the risk is considered moderate for the Westland District this afternoon and evening, and for the Grey and Buller Districts from evening. Any thunderstorms that occur will likely boost local rainfall rates to 10 to 20 mm/h, especially about the ranges. In the east of the South Island there is a low risk of thunderstorms from Clutha to the Rakaia River this afternoon and evening, and from the Rakaia River to Cape Campbell from evening, as depicted on the chart. However, for Dunedin, Central Otago east of Alexandra, North Otago, and the Canterbury Plains south of Ashburton, the risk is considered moderate this afternoon and evening. Any thunderstorms that occur will bring localised heavy rain with intensities of 10 to 25 mm/h, and possibly small hail. No thunderstorms or significant convection expected elsewhere in New Zealand today.

A front embedded in an unstable west to southwest flow is forecast to move northeastwards over central New Zealand. There is a low risk of thunderstorms for coastal areas of the South Island between Christchurch and Cape Campbell before dawn. There is also mostly a low risk of thunderstorms for the Grey and Buller Districts, the Tasman District west of Motueka, the Marlborough Sounds, and southern parts of the North Island, as drawn on the chart. However, the risk is considered moderate for the Buller District before dawn. Any thunderstorms that occur will likely boost local rainfall rates to 10 to 20 mm/h, especially about the ranges. No thunderstorms or significant convection expected elsewhere in New Zealand during Saturday morning.

A west to southwest flow covers New Zealand, with the atmosphere becoming more stable as a ridge of high pressure moves onto the country from the Tasman Sea. During the afternoon there is a low risk of thunderstorms for Wairarapa and the Tararua District, including the Tararua Range. No thunderstorms or significant convection expected elsewhere in New Zealand during this period.