A rapid warm up for the South Island as temperatures jump by 14 degrees in a day in Gore, according to Weatherwatch, "You can thank the NW airflow out of the sub-tropics and Australia for that incredibly fast turn around!"
Although the opening act of the long weekend could be damp for those on the South Island's west coast, for the rest of the South Island warm northwesterlies will bring warm, sunny weather on Saturday.
Parts of South Canterbury, such as Timaru and Ashburton, will have great BBQ weather with 25C northeasterly breezes expected.
Hottest in the North Island: Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay
An Elephant seal on the banks of a river in Whakatane, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. Photo / Getty Images
The North Island, while dry on Saturday, doesn't get that warmer nor'west change until Sunday. Most places are dry but rain will likely fall in Fiordland.
The South island is knocked out of the running with heavy rain in parts spoiling the mood. Eastern regions, like Hawke's Bay, will be stunning with highs in the low to possibly mid 20s and sunny skies. High pressure is parked just north of NZ so the further north you head the lighter the winds will be.
Hottest in the South Island: Canterbury, Marlborough, Nelson, Tasman
Kaikoura.. You can't beat it. Photo / Getty Images
It's going to be awesome for those on the east coast. Gisborne will have a high of 26C on Sunday, with fine weather and just some light winds expected.
The western rain band may try to move into the North Island but it is moving very slowly and falling apart at the same time. Let's hope it is polite and waits until Tuesday.
If it arrives earlier the western side of the North Island can expect showers Monday. If it's late then many areas may be cloudy but fairly dry. It's still warm too over the North Island with mild NW breezes in the north and lighter winds elsewhere.
The South Island sees drier weather returning to the West Coast but showers will linger around much of the island. Inland areas should still be warm on Monday but coastal areas of Southland and Otago do get a temperature drop and a colder day - down by several degrees from Sunday even.
Hottest in the South Island: Marlborough, Tasman, Nelson
The Tasman region is quite wonderful. Photo / Getty Images
Canterbury northwards will remain warmer than average with highs into the low to mid 20s possible.
Mermaid pools on the Tutukaka Coast, Northland. Photo / Supplied
Aucklanders who stay put will be rewarded with a stunning Monday, all going to plan. But there's no need to fret if you're up north at the bach - it's lovely up there too.
🌞Warming up for the Long Weekend🌡️ A cold southwest flow makes way for warmer northwesterlies this weekend, meaning higher temperatures especially in the east. Cooler temperatures return on Tuesday, in time to go back to work 🤷 https://t.co/Yjbq0jxdqz ^TA pic.twitter.com/oDljQZ22r2
