The remnants of Cyclone Ita look set to bring a wet and windy start to Easter weekend to many New Zealanders says WeatherWatch.co.nz.

The system isn’t especially large but does bring a small yet intense area of wind and rain – and is likely to grow in size as it moves in.

However potential severe weather may likely arrive earlier than Good Friday – with gales possible in exposed northern areas of both islands on Thursday.

Heavy rain will also push south on Thursday – bringing heavy bursts to northern and north western regions – including our driest North Island regions.  Rain warnings are possible.

A low will then sit off the West Coast over Friday and Saturday – bringing a mix of weather to New Zealand, some regions sunny, others still facing rain or showers.  Winds should be light for North Islanders but the South Island may still be blustery on Sunday.

Sunday may well be much sunnier across the country too – with most showers focused on the West Coast.

Monday looks to be the driest of the four days generally speaking – but even on Monday we still see isolated showers in both islands.

– WeatherWatch.co.nz