Wetter, windier weather on the way in new front – MetService

Wetter and windier weather is forecast to move across the country from late Tuesday, according to MetService.

The forecaster said the week began with "a cracker day" including plenty of clear skies and sunshine, thanks to a narrow ridge of high pressure over the country.

However, MetService meteorologist Heather Keats warned the good weather would be short-lived, giving way to "quite an active week ahead" as a low pressure system approached from the northwest.

"We do have a new low and a few new fronts that will head on to central and upper New Zealand, arriving very late Tuesday night and rolling through Wednesday," she said.

She said the northeast of the North Island and the northwest of the South Island were in the firing line for the heaviest rain, with some areas expected to receive up to 200mm of accumulated rain.

She said gales could also be strong or severe for many across the North Island, and temperatures would drop significantly.

"A sharp drop back down to winter temps for the South Island. Then the North Island will return to chillier days from later in the week."

She said to watch out for severe weather watches and warnings.

MetService meteorologist Alwyn Bakker agreed the ridge today had brought a reprieve from wild weather experienced by many over the weekend but "it’s not going to last for long".

"The low pressure system is set to bring heavy rain to many areas from Wednesday, especially northern and central parts of the country.

"Strong winds will follow, with a risk of severe gales for eastern parts of the North Island on Thursday and Friday," she added.

Despite the cooler temperatures and passing of the shortest day of the year, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research said a meteorological drought is developing in parts of Canterbury.

"After a wet start to 2026, conditions have dried rapidly, with the NZ Drought Index showing developing drought around Christchurch," it said in a post on X.