A big high pressure system (or anticyclone) is rolling in across New Zealand bringing lighter winds and clearer skies for many areas – although clouds and showers are lingering for some in the east and south of the North Island (Wellington, Wairarapa, Hawkes Bay, Gisborne).

As we go through Friday this high will push in – and push away those remaining showers in the east.

But this same high will be gone by Saturday morning for West Coasters as rain sets in and winds pick up. 

As we head through Saturday night rain moves into the lower North Island from the west – and slides up the North Island across Sunday, bringing rain to regions that are driest.

So make the most of the high – it’s short lived – it peaks today over the South Island and peaks Saturday over the North Island – and is gone by midnight Saturday.

The high will be centred over the middle of New Zealand tonight.

– Wind and rain map via Weathermap for 10pm Friday

– WeatherWatch.co.nz