The serene weather across the southern region will come to an end this weekend.
A MetService spokesman said a ridge was forecast to build over New Zealand tomorrow, delivering settled weather across the country.
But on Sunday, a weak cold front would move northeast across the South Island, bringing a period of strong southwesterly winds, which might become severe gales on Stewart Island and in coastal parts of Southland and Clutha.
On Monday, the front is expected to move northeast across the North Island while another ridge builds over the South Island.
On Tuesday, another front is expected to approach the South Island from the west, preceded by a moist northwest flow bringing rain to western areas.
However, associated severe weather was not expected at this stage, he said.
