Most of the days this week will find settled weather across most of the country.  High pressure centred off to our northwest this morning will remain in place for the next several days.

That means an extended period of settled weather for New Zealand.  But there will be at least a few chances for rain showing up.

The first chance for rain is already showing up this morning about parts of the western South Island.  Precipitation will ease this afternoon.

The next chance for rain will be early tomorrow about parts of the North Island.  A weak front is expected to move through and this could spark a few light showers during the morning hours.  The precipitation chances cover most of the island.  But anything that falls will be very spotty and likely quite light.

Wednesday is looking dry.

Thursday could be a bit wet for the upper North Island and lower South Island.  The better chance for rain will be about Southland during Thursday afternoon.  But precipitation for Auckland and Northland can be ruled out.

On Friday, a new ridge of high pressure is expected to develop over the Tasman Sea whilst a low gathers strength over the Pacific.  That will put New Zealand into a strong southerly flow and bring some pretty good rain chances to the lower and eastern South Island as well as the lower North Island.

Meanwhile, a front is expected to set up over the upper North Island bringing a chance for precipitation to that part of the country as well.

Homepage image/ John Krippner

Howard Joseph, WeatherWatch.co.nz