High pressure affects most of NZ over the days ahead but because it’s centred offshore it’s pulling down warmer winds for most regions, with sub-tropical and Australian connections.

Despite stormy weather in Australia this high pressure belt over NZ is keeping severe weather away from us.

But next week low pressure returns – and could see a return to some heavy western rain and stronger winds.

We also update you on soil moisture levels over the past couple of weeks and what rain is expected over the next 7 days.