The weather has been mostly fine across New Zealand, but a burst of rain is being forecast on Saturday, before a large area of high pressure brings another run of settled weather as we move into next week. 

A cold front approaches the south of the South Island on Friday, says the latest update from the MetService.

Blustery northwesterly winds precede the arrival of rain in the south and west, however, by the end of the day the front weakens leaving areas north of Christchurch mostly dry.

For the North Island, passing showers are possible in most areas, with Horowhenua, Wellington and the east coast looking to remain dry.  

A low pressure system approaching from the Tasman Sea is forecast to bring rain to a large portion of the North Island, leaving most of the South Island remaining dry on Saturday.

“The weather models have different ideas about the extent and intensity of the incoming rain, so keep an eye on the forecast for Saturday if you are making outdoors plans,” says MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris.

Areas north of Taranaki to Napier are most likely to see rain on Saturday with the potential for some heavy falls in the mix.

The further south, the less likely rain becomes, but there is risk the wet weather will reach as far south as Wellington and the top of the South Island. 

On Sunday, the low pressure system moves away to the east which means clearer weather across the country.

However, southerlies and showers are possible around Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne, while westerly winds bring showers to the south and west of the South Island. 

As we enter the new working week high pressure moves in across the country, forecast to bring a settled run of weather.

While this will be a good chance for parents to get the kids outdoors, there’s potential the weather will turn as we head towards ANZAC Day. 

Image: MetService.