Fewer chills as warm weather comes knocking

People enjoying fine weather on Te Mata Peak lookout in Havelock North. Photo / Paul Taylor

Patches of rain and warm temperatures are set to continue for the first half of the week as subtropical northerlies spread over the North Island.

Cloudy days will also help take the chilly edge off mornings for most of the country, according to MetService meteorologist Angus Hines.

It's part of a trend of northerly rain bands bringing warm, wet weather, according to the MetService. The first is clearing today but another is due to arrive midweek.

"The clearing trend is going to continue for many more people as we start the week, although the band of rain will linger around the Auckland and northern Waikato regions for much of Monday," Hines said.

NIWA said the country could expect warmer-than-average temperatures this week, particularly the first half.

Eastern areas like Hawkes Bay are in prime position for spring-like temperatures and long dry spells, with Weatherwatch head analyst Philip Duncan predicting some areas would break 20C today.

Rain will ease during the day for the upper North Island, while the north would start out cloudy in the west before sun breaks through. The east coast would be mainly dry with sunny spells, WeatherWatch said.

Another northerly rain band is expected to move onto the South Island late tomorrowand will affect the whole country by Wednesday morning.

MetService is forecasting rain tomorrow for the western and central regions, and heavy falls in some parts of the South Island including Fiordland and southern Westland.

Strong to gale-force winds are also expected in some areas.

"Our expert meteorologists will be looking closely at issuing severe weather warnings and watches as the next system approaches as it looks like it may have more intensity to it than the weekend's rain," Hines said.

MONDAY'S WEATHER

WHANGAREI Occasional rain, clearing afternoon.
High 18C, Overnight 11C

AUCKLAND Occasional rain, easing at night.
High 17C, Overnight 11C

HAMILTON Rain, clearing morning.
High 18C, Overnight 12C

TAURANGA Rain, easing to afternoon showers.
High 17C, Overnight 11C

NAPIER Showers, clearing.
High 19C, Overnight 4C

WELLINGTON Long fine spells, northerlies.
High 14C, Overnight 10C