Warm winds from the northerly quarter will continue to spread over much of New Zealand this weekend and into the start of next week – but the set up from Tuesday to Friday could see a colder south easterly change spread up the country predicts WeatherWatch.co.nz.

The long range forecast, partially based on several different models, predicts a large high south of Tasmania working with lows south and north of New Zealand to help feed in colder winds from the southerly quarter.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says while there is currently no indication of severe weather from this set up it could knock temperatures back to more wintry levels in some areas.

The weather news authority says southern and eastern areas of both islands will be most exposed, with the South Island getting a cooler taste on Tuesday and the North Island on Wednesday.

The predicted south east change should bring sunny and dry weather to western areas, although a low north of New Zealand could see warmer, wetter, weather continue until mid week for northern regions.

Various computer models are struggling to work out what will happen this weekend let alone next week as the weather becomes more sluggish and messy over our part of the world – a welcome respite for those who are tired of the spring westerlies.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says at this early stage the potential cold snap will be more of a nuisance than anything else but still advises farmers to keep up to date with the latest conditions due to some uncertainty of the current forecast.

Some data this week has suggested the southerly could bring snow to fairly low levels but recent updates appear to be moving away from that prediction.

– WeatherWatch.co.nz