![](https://www.odt.co.nz/sites/default/files/story/2024/03/easter-weather-250324.jpg)
But at this stage, MetService is forecasting mostly warm and dry weather.
MetService meteorologist Juliane Bergdolt said Good Friday would start wet as a southwesterly flowed across the South Island, bringing showers and possibly gale winds.
She said a low may deepen to the east of the country and there was a possibility that south-to-southwest winds could reach severe gale in coastal areas from Dunedin, northwards through Canterbury.
But she urged residents not to get disheartened by that.
"Once those southwesterlies ease, they should take the rest of the showers with them and there should be a more northwesterly flow over the weekend — on Saturday, Sunday and Monday — bringing more clear skies, particularly inland.
"Some cloud may hang around, but overall, it looks like it will be pretty dry."
She expected temperatures to reach the high teens throughout the weekend, and could reach the early 20s in Central Otago on Easter Monday — perfect for outdoor family activities.
"In that kind of weather, there might even be a danger of Easter eggs melting."
Although the forecast was looking promising, Miss Bergdolt urged residents to wait a few more days before making any firm outdoor plans for the festive weekend.
"There is still a bit of uncertainty about the forecast because it is still quite far out."