High pressure is trying to build over New Zealand but we’ve got to wait a few more days to allow the windy westerlies to blow by.

Tonight a burst of rain will move into the South Island from the south west bringing snow to the mountains (which may affect an alpine pass or two for a time).

Winds will be strong to gale force at times and turn cooler sou’west overnight. Winds ease on Sunday for most areas and Monday looks fairly settled.

A weak front on Tuesday may just see another burst of showers and southerlies but the high should come in behind it properly by Tuesday night or Wednesday bringing calm, settled, weather to much of New Zealand.