A person walks with a red umbrella on a rainy day. Photo: UnSplash/ Craig Whitehead
There is a "glimmer of hope" just over the horizon - literally - for parents hoping to get their kids outside these school holidays, with better weather on the way.
But don't lock those devices just yet - there is still plenty of rain to come first.
"The first week of the spring school holidays comes to an end and showers continue as fast-moving fronts pass over today and Friday," MetService meteorologist Michael Pawley said in a statement on Thursday.
"These fronts build a line of heavy showers, with the risk of thunderstorms for the South Island, and hail about Canterbury and North Otago today. Snow is also expected to affect some mountain roads."
On Friday, strong wind watches with gusts up to 100km/h were in place for Canterbury High Country about and north of Aoraki/Mount Cook, Grey District, Westland District north of the glaciers, Wellington and Wairarapa.
"During spring, fronts line up like waves in the sea," Pawley explained. "There will be blustery northwesterly winds and decent showers, especially for western parts, as each one rolls through.
"As winds strengthen, the swell will also pick up, so keep a close eye on the marine forecast if you're looking to take the boat out."
In Auckland, a sunny Saturday morning will give way to showers as the All Blacks get ready to face the Wallabies at Eden Park.
"Fans might want to keep a raincoat on hand for the line of showers that will move across Auckland during the afternoon and evening, with possible thunderstorms and strong wind gusts."
The upcoming weather. Photo: MetService
Another "burst of rain" over the South Island was expected on Sunday as the clocks go forward for daylight saving - but kids in Canterbury and Hawke's Bay might want to save their games with the sun getting ready to make an appearance.
"Sunday looks to be a great set up for warmer temperatures in eastern regions thanks to the Foehn effect," Pawley said. "This happens when rain falls on the West Coast and Southern Alps, it releases heat, the warm dry air then descends on the Canterbury Plains."
Napier and Hastings might even get up to a summery 24C.
By next week, the weather should settle under a ridge of high pressure - easing the pressure on parents as kids are hopefully encouraged to ditch digital worlds for the real thing.
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