Most of New Zealand is enjoying a sunny and warm day today as a ridge of high pressure holds its ground over the North Island and much of the South Island.

It’s looking more likely that the worst weather will move in during Sunday and early next week with wet and windy conditions across a number of regions.

A new low is expected to develop late Saturday off the north east coast of Tasmania and will then move towards New Zealand with it’s associated fronts. 

Humid air will be dragged down from the sub-tropics which means northern New Zealand will be warm and muggy at night – especially Saturday and Sunday while gusty northerlies will create high temperatures in the east of both islands.

Summer-like conditions will remain in places like Gisborne, Napier and Hastings this weekend with mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the mid to late 20s.

Heavy rain will move into the West Coast of the South Island tonight then slowly move northwards.   Those planning on tramping in western areas of the North Island, such as the Tararua Ranges, Mt Taranaki etc, should pay close attention to rain warnings.  Government forecaster MetService has issued a number of rain warnings for the entire South Island west coast.

The high in the east will slow the progress of rain bands for the North Island so Saturday is looking partly cloudy with late drizzle or showers by evening.  Rain will develop on Sunday with further rain on Monday.

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