MetService has issued a severe weather watch, particularly for the Chatham Islands.

A large area of gale to storm force southwesterlies is expected to develop between the South Island and the Chatham Islands during Monday.

Winds at the Chatham Islands may approach severe gale force during Monday evening and Tuesday morning. These winds will also bring a big southwest swell to the Islands with big waves expected.

Over mainland New Zealand no severe weather is expected.

People should take care though, especially about exposed coasts, and keep up to date with the latest forecasts, says a MetService spokesperson.

On Tuesday, June 4, a ridge of high pressure is forecast to move slowly over mainland New Zealand, with the strong southwest flow affecting the Chatham Islands.

On Wednesday, a ridge of high pressure is forecast to continue moving slowly over New Zealand, with no severe weather is expected.

A front from over the Tasman Sea will be slowly moving onto New Zealand on Thursday, June 6, bringing rain to some western and northern parts of the country.

On Friday, a weak front will be moving slowly over New Zealand, bringing a period of rain to some areas of the country. However, no accompanying severe weather is expected on Thursday or Friday.