It was a shock to the system, especially for southern and eastern parts of both islands, but the cold change that came through on Sunday and Monday is already easing as a summer-like high moves in from the west.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says the incoming high will push the last of the southerly winds out over the Pacific Ocean today – with conditions improving further in the east of the North Island over the next 12 hours.

The high promises warmer days but following the cold surge of air over the past few days the overnight lows may still continue to be below average in many areas.

Warmer weather returns to much of the country tomorrow, Wednesday, but conditions start to change on Thursday ahead of yet another cold front.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says the next front, which will arrive later on Thursday in Southland and spread over New Zealand on Friday, is significantly weaker than the weekend system.

Despite some rain or showers and stronger sou’westers over the North Island on Friday the long weekend forecast still looks mostly positive for Auckland Anniversary weekend.  Sou’westers and a few isolated showers may linger into Saturday but Sunday and Monday, so far, look positive for holidaymakers in the north who are desperate to see some traditional summer weather.

*We”ll have a more detailed Auckland Anniversary forecast in the next day or two.

– Homepage image / Debbie Zillwood

– WeatherWatch.co.nz