MetService has issued a weather outlook for the week ahead, as school students prepare to return to their first week of the new school term.

On Monday, south to southwest winds are expected to spread over the country with periods of rain or showers for many places, especially about the west of the North Island.

"However, there is minimal risk of warnings being issued," says a MetService spokesperson.

On Tuesday, July 23, a southwest flow will lie over the country, with showers in some places, while on Wednesday, a weak ridge of high pressure is forecast to spread across New Zealand.

As the week progresses, the ridge of high pressure will move slowly northwards on Wednesday as a front approaches the South Island.

"The front is expected to bring rain and strong northwesterlies to Fiordland, but at this stage it is considered unlikely that warnings will be needed."