Settled weather here to stay

Settled weather is forecast to stick around for the long weekend.

A few showers will start the day in Wellington, parts of Northland and the far south, but these should clear to make way for a fine day, said MetService meteorologist Mariken van Laanen.

Auckland and Hamilton could expect highs of 14C today, and the temperature in Taupo and Wellington would sit a little lower, with a high of 12C.

"For most places it's going to be very nice although it is a bit of a chilly start so you'll see a lot of morning frost about," Ms van Laanen said.

"It will be a fine day for Auckland although there is a low sitting northeast of Northland, which will bring rain to the area with potential for thunderstorms and hail, also clearing as the day goes on."

A severe weather watch was in place for Northland through to mid morning, with MetService warning of the possibility of surface flooding due to heavy rain.

The high for Whangarei was 16C.

Morning showers were expected in Banks Peninsula but these should also make way for a fine rest of the day.

Christchurch, Dunedin and Nelson will have a high of 12C but Queenstown should hover below double digits, on 9C.

A ridge developing over the country should mean fine and settled weather will hang around until Tuesday next week, Ms van Laanen said.