High pressure is covering NZ bringing light winds, morning fog patches and large cloudy areas to some parts of the nation as it very slowly tracks across.

The high pressure zone will start to generate milder winds as it tracks slowly eastwards, pulling down winds from the north and west into NZ. For many regions it will feel like Autumn still this week.

Rain is mainly offshore and as we said last week it was a bit 50/50 as to whether or not it would bring wet weather to northern NZ. Apart from a few showers on Wednesday the high pressure belt is expected to dominate keeping most of that rain offshore. A few showers also brush Gisborne, Mahia Peninsula and possibly around Wairoa – otherwise dry.

Low pressure and a cold front is expected by Sunday, bringing the next big weather change and a better chance for rain.

• WeatherWatch.co.nz