A ridge of high pressure currently stationed over New Zealand gives way to a front moving in from the Tasman Sea this weekend, bringing a period of wet weather for some.

MetService has issued severe weather watches for heavy rain across the western South Island from Friday night which are associated with this front.

Some places across northern New Zealand experienced their coldest temperature of the year so far yesterday morning thanks to southerly breezes and clear skies.

"At 8am, Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga airport recorded temperatures of 10.7°C, 3.5°C and 9.5°C respectively," says MetService meteorologist Ashlee Parkes.

"This is the first wave of autumnal temperatures for many across the North Island."

However, temperatures are set to return to normal this weekend as a front approaches Te Waipounamu (South Island) from the Tasman Sea.

Severe weather watches for heavy rain have been issued this morning for northern Fiordland and the ranges of Westland south of Otira.

"Western areas of the South Island will see a period of heavy and possibly thundery rain on Saturday as the front moves onto the island, with scattered falls spreading into southern and eastern areas.

"This front tracks north during the weekend, bringing brief heavy falls to western areas of Te Ika a Māui (North Island) on Sunday."

Cooler temperatures return to the South Island on Tuesday as a cold front races up from the Southern Ocean.

"A sharp cold change will be felt across the South Island on Tuesday with a dusting of snow across the peaks of the motu with this front. Keep up to date with the latest forecasts on the MetService website."

Image: MetService.