Get ready to welcome the sun

"Perfect holiday weather will be here and it is not often I get to say that," Duncan said. Photo / Alan Gibson

Dust off your T-shirts and shorts today - the sun is finally arriving for Labour Weekend.

Auckland, Northland, Bay of Plenty, Hawkes Bay and Waikato were yesterday greeted by the unwanted sight of showers and windy conditions for the start of the final long weekend before Christmas.

It was a different story further south, where Wellington, Horowhenua and parts of Taranaki were bathed in sunshine.

WeatherWatch analyst Philip Duncan said most of the North Island would enjoy sunshine over the next two days.

Temperatures were set to be in the mid-to-late teens today and reach the early 20s tomorrow.

"Perfect holiday weather will be here and it is not often I get to say that," Duncan said.

"Although temperatures are not that extreme, people should be aware a burn factor will be present. If they are sitting out on the deck having a few drinks they should remember to get the sun block on.

"If you are a farmer needing rain, this weekend isn't about you."

The Bay of Plenty and King Country would be the places to be today. Auckland would also enjoy much-needed holiday sunshine around occasional showers.

"Some areas on the east of the North Island could reach the low 20s on Monday as a nor'wester will build up to boost temperatures."

The MetService's latest forecast predicts the fine weather in the Auckland region to stick around until Tuesday.

Showers and sunny spells are likely on Wednesday.

Rain is also forecast to hit Waikato and Coromandel Peninsula on Tuesday night.