Sun, wind and rain ahead for long weekend

The country is in for a mixed bag of weather over Labour Weekend, with sun, wind and rain predicted.

MetService meteorologist Dan Corbett said an active front across the country could bring rain and thunderstorms by Friday, followed by a westerly, wet flow from the Tasman Sea.

"So any folks who might be going to some western areas, maybe the West Coast of the South Island, that will at times be feeding in some clouds and showers.

"Eastern spots will do pretty well - pretty dry and mild - so Canterbury, Hawkes Bay will do pretty well."

Those areas should reach temperatures in the upper teens or lower 20s, he said.

There would be some showers on Sunday across the country, Mr Corbett said.

"It's a typical Labour Weekend where you've got a bit of wet weather."

WeatherWatch.co.nz has predicted gale force winds for some areas.

Analyst Philip Duncan said the winds would be strong to gale force for some exposed and eastern areas of the South Island and about the lower North Island - but in sheltered areas further away from the ranges, or in the north, the weather could be "stunning".

"However, it's the unpredictable nature of gusty winds that could be an issue," he said.

"As the winds tilt from say North West to more West North West that tiny change could push gusty winds to where you are - or it might ease them. That's the reality of New Zealand's geography on our weather."

MAIN CENTRES:

AUCKLAND

- Saturday - fine spells, a couple of showers, temperatures about 18C.

- Sunday - showers expected in the late afternoon.

- Monday - showers clearing.

HAMILTON

- Saturday - fine spells, westerly winds, mercury reaching the upper teens.

- Sunday - heavy showers expected in the late afternoon.

- Monday - showers clearing.

WELLINGTON

- Saturday - westerly flow, fine weather.

- Sunday - some showers, temperatures about 15C.

- Monday - clearing weather.

CHRISTCHURCH

- Saturday - mostly dry, mild weather.

- Sunday - fine weather continues and temperatures in the upper teens.

- Monday - continuing fine weather.

DUNEDIN

- Saturday - westerly flow, mostly dry, windy.

- Sunday - one or two showers, temperatures starting to dip into the mid-teens.

- Monday - colder temperatures, dropping to 10C or 12C and some snow could fall in the ranges.