As we said last week Auckland Anniversary is shaping up to be a cracker weatherwise, despite a sub-Antarctic cold snap hitting just as the long weekend gets underway – and the forecast for Nelson is the same.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says for those heading away the weather isn’t ideal – but for the actual days off work, conditions are looking great for most holidaymakers.

On Friday afternoon and evening the cold front will be clearing Nelson and passing across the upper North Island – but thanks to the large high that’s brought the stunning weather this week the front will weaken significantly as it heads north, turning rain to just showers for many places.

Winds from the west will strengthen too, but well below warning levels. 

So not ideal driving and flying conditions for some but the weather will rapidly improve on Saturday morning as the southerly kicks in.

Saturday looks to be mostly sunny but a remaining isolated shower is possible first thing in Auckland.

Sunday and Monday both look mostly sunny with just a few harmless cloudy periods – with hot weather returning to Nelson.

Winds will be light and temperatures will bounce back to average levels on Sunday and Monday in Auckland following a slightly cooler Saturday.

Saturday night may well be a cold night for many following the southerly change with clearing skies and light winds at night.  Overnight lows in many areas will be in the single digits, apart from coastal areas where they will be in the low double digits – definitely well below average for late January.

– Homepage image / Hopefully a sign of things to come, settled weather for Auckland this long weekend / Zelda Wynn

– WeatherWatch.co.nz