This week kicks off with some showers, downpours and possibly severe thunderstorms here and there – but the long range forecast is a dry one is a big high pressure zone moves through this week.

The high departs this weekend and drags down a hotter, sub-tropical, northerly or nor-wester boosting the heat and fire risks across both main islands.

But next week might see a change with a chance of a rainmaker for dry areas – it’s not locked in this far out, but we give you a sneak peek into the possibilities of high pressure being replaced by wetter lower pressure.

*Technical Issue: We apologise for the brightness/colour issues in some of the maps in today’s video, it was out of our control today.

**Programming Note: We have no NZ video on Tuesday – see you again Wednesday!