A large low is crossing the North Island today and behind it we have three days of windier, colder weather – which peaks on Friday says WeatherWatch.

'The windy change moves in overnight tonight behind the warmer sub-tropical flow currently over the north.

'Blustery conditions will affect northern NZ in particular, especially after midnight tonight – while brisk winds this morning may well ease this afternoon as the calmer centre of the low comes in. Heavy downpours and isolated thunder will affect some parts of NZ.

'Over Thursday much of the country has windy westerly quarter winds but it's the cold front moving up the South Island on Thursday and the North Island on Friday that brings that main surge of colder, winder weather.

'Friday looks colder than average in many regions across New Zealand as the southerly change peaks with windiest weather in northern NZ late afternoon.

'On Saturday it's a windy, cool day across many parts of New Zealand but showers will ease and by Sunday and Monday conditions should be much calmer and drier around most of the country.”