Temperatures will dip throughout the country this week as a cold front sweeps north, bringing rain and strong winds to many parts, including Otago and Southland.
An area of low pressure is set to move up the South Island today and reach the North Island by tomorrow, MetService meteorologist Ciaran Doolin said.
Westland was expected to be hammered with heavy rain through today and overnight - with a severe weather warning in place until tomorrow, stating the rain levels could cause rising rivers, surface flooding and slips. However, Mr Doolin said the rain should ease as the front progresses
"The heavy rain is mostly isolated to the west of the South Island at present. It doesn't look like it's going to be particularly heavy once it's reached the North Island...there will be a bit of precipitation around but nothing severe."
The front was expected to be short-lived and move off the country by Wednesday or Thursday, Mr Doolin said.
Temperatures would dip as southwesterly winds arrive following the front, with the North Island getting down to the mid teens and parts of the South Island.
Gales in South
WeatherWatch head analyst Philip Duncan said a "motorway of gales" was expected to move through southern and central New Zealand at the start of the week.
Northwest gales were possible around Southland, Otago, Canterbury, Wairarapa and parts of the Hawke's Bay today.
Mr Duncan said the windiest areas would be in the eastern South Island and around Wellington, but damaging gusts were not expected.
High pressure in the Tasman Sea stretching over the country would put a "lid" on strong winds in northern parts, he said.
Strong winds would ease by Wednesday, but return to Southland, Otago and Canterbury on Friday.
Central and southern New Zealand would see blustery conditions at the weekend, with winds getting lighter further north, he said.
Temperatures were expected to be average throughout the week, Mr Duncan said.
