Forget the severe frosts and black ice of last weekend – this weekend looks significantly warmer and drier across much of New Zealand says WeatherWatch.co.nz.

Weather Video: Philip Duncan talks about our weekend weather and what to expect early next week

The weather news authority predicts highs will mostly range from 14 to 19 degrees across the country as warm westerlies blow across central New Zealand and a weak sub-tropical low in the north pulls in warmer, humid, air.  Some areas may reach 20, especially inland Hawkes Bay, Wairarapa and Gisborne.

While conditions won’t be hot they will certainly be a big jump from last weekend, when much of New Zealand was still being affected by an historic southerly blast.

Most places will be frosts free with clouds in the far north and deep south and windier weather in the middle.

But despite the unsettled weather pattern most main centres should have dry weather with highest risk for showers being Northland and the West Coast with moderate risks for Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula and Southland on Sunday.

However even areas with a moderate risk of rain are still expected to see more dry weather than potential wet weather.

– WeatherWatch.co.nz