Weather: Sunnier days expected for rest of autumn

Auckland's weather is forecast to improve on last week's wet weather. Photo / File

Aucklanders can rejoice as last week's cold snap appears to be a blip in an otherwise sunny autumn.

The sunglasses can be taken out again and the raincoats - hastily dug out of the back of the wardrobe during last week's plunge in temperatures and heavy rainfall - can be hung up once more, as the sunny weather will continue for the rest of the week.

However, those in the South Island won't be in for as much luck, with heavy rain forecast over the next couple of days and a watch out for some areas.

"We've a weak front at the moment that's moving it's way onto the South Island tonight, which will be affecting the country tomorrow," MetService meteorologist Ciaran Doolin said.

"That should have weakened off by midday Tuesday, and then the latter part of the week will be affected by a low that is developing in the Tasman, east of Australia.

"That's going to move down across the country later in the week, and will probably start to affect us by late Thursday, Friday."

A heavy rain watch is in place for Fiordland and Westland, south of Haast, until late Monday morning. The front is likely to move up the South Island bringing rain to most of the island, before easing off by Tuesday, Mr Doolin said.

The North Island will escape the worst of the rain, although south of Manawatu - Wairarapa regions will see a bit of rain on Tuesday.

Some light rain or drizzle can be expected across the country on Wednesday morning, but will clear and become fine. Thursday and Friday were also "looking reasonably fine, with a few cloudy periods in the east", Mr Doolin said.

Auckland may see a few showers on Monday, but will mostly be a fine day, he said, with the rest of the week remaining fine.

The calm and sunny weather comes after heavy rain across the North Island on Saturday caused power outages, flooding, and treacherous driving conditions.

MAIN CENTRES FORECAST:

* Whangarei - Fine spells on Monday, with the chance of a shower until evening, an easterly wind and a high of 22C. Fine spells again on Tuesday, an easterly breeze and a high of 22C.

* Auckland - Mostly fine tomorrow, with the chance of a shower until evening, light winds and a high of 22C. Mostly fine on Tuesday, with light winds and a high of 22C.

* Hamilton - Long fine spells on Monday with the chance of an afternoon shower, light winds and a high of 21C. Tuesday will be mainly fine, following some morning fog patches, light winds and a high of 21C.

* Tauranga - A few showers will clear by the evening as fine spells increase, light winds and a high of 21C. Mostly fine on Tuesday with light winds and a high of 21C.

*Wellington - Cloudy periods on Monday, with a few showers developing in the morning, a northerly and a high of 18C. Tuesday will see rain at time, clearing in the evening, light winds and a high of 17C.

* Christchurch - Cloud increasing on Monday, rain from the evening, southerlies developing, and a high of 22C. Tuesday will see occasional rain, clearing later, with light winds and high of 15C.

* Dunedin - Occasional rain on Monday, but clearing by the evening, with a southerly for a time, a high of 16C. Cloudy periods on Tuesday, light winds and a high of 14C.

(Source: MetService)