Sunny days and chilly nights are set to continue as autumn moves towards winter, with a ridge of high pressure forecast to spread onto northern and central New Zealand on Monday.

New Zealand remains in an extended period of wintry temperatures, with dry conditions and light winds for remainder of the weekend.

A relief from these chilly conditions is on the horizon, as southerly winds ease over the weekend, but the remaining cold air is forecast to stick around into next week.

“These cold nights are set to a continue for a while, but warmer, wetter weather should return later in the week,” says MetService meteorologist Ngaire Wotherspoon.

On Monday weak troughs will affect the south of the South Island, but there is minimal risk of severe weather affecting the country.

On Tuesday, MetService says the ridge of high pressure will persist over northern and central New Zealand, while fronts embedded in a strengthening northwest flow will affect the south of the South Island.

A low is likely to approach the North Island on Wednesday from the north Tasman Sea, with an associated rain-band spreading onto northern parts of the country.

"There is however some uncertainty at this time regarding the movement of the low and rain-band," says a MetService spokesperson.

"Consequently, there is low confidence that rainfall amounts may reach warning criteria about eastern Bay of Plenty on Wednesday."

MetService says the low should move away from New Zealand on Thursday, with a southwest flow spreading over the country.