Seven sunny days ahead

Auckland and the top of the North Island are in for a week of fine weather in the first prolonged sunny period since the start of June, according to MetService.

Meteorologist Stephen Glassey said the area from the Bay of Plenty across to Taranaki north would have fine weather until next Friday.

Mr Glassey said the clear blue skies will feel overdue for Aucklanders as the longest fine period in July was just three days.

"In winter we can get systems that are slow moving and give us prolonged periods of fine weather," he said.

Clear conditions with a southerly breeze are expected for the Bledisloe Cup test in Auckland on tomorrow evening.

"A warm jacket may come in handy," Mr Glassey said.

A temperature around 10C is expected at kick-off, falling to 7C by the end of the match.

Mr Glassey warned the long fine spells will lead to clear skies overnight and cool mornings. The minimum forecast for Auckland is between 3C and 5C and sheltered areas without any wind could see frosts.

"There will be a few showers in eastern places like Gisborne and Hawkes Bay," he said. "The west of the South Island is looking fine like the upper North island, but in the east there'll be a few showers."

Wellington will have showers through the weekend and cloudy periods next week. Christchurch and Dunedin should experience a few showers this weekend and cloudy periods next week.

Philip Duncan of WeatherWatch.co.nz said the prolonged fine weather would last for most of the country until next Sunday.

"The high is likely to remain in the Tasman Sea for the rest of August."

Temperatures for the next few months are likely to be warmer than usual for the east of the North Island, according to Niwa's August to October outlook. Cold snaps and frost would still be expected for parts of the country in early spring. APNZ