The weekend is almost here and the latest forecast still looks fairly dry and mild for most of New Zealand – although our weather is changing.

The large high that has been with us for most of the week is sliding out to the east of the North Island but still holding on to some degree.

This means Friday and Saturday will be dry in most of the main centres with rain most likely on the West Coast and the odd shower in northern facing regions of both islands.

Northerly quarter winds increase across the weekend lifting temperatures for some by quite a bit on earlier this week.

By Sunday a low in the Tasman Sea will be moving in – but may not arrive until late afternoon or even overnight for more populated centres.

Monday next week looks unsettled.