High pressure dominates much of NZ to kick off this week – and likely returns again this weekend – but the process of this will bring temperature fluctuations, especially in the lower South Island where the polar boundary returns later this week.

Many regions lean drier this week, with cooler or more refreshing airflows coming in later in the week.

A subtropical low gets close to NZ, but high pressure should keep it offshore.

High pressure may also weaken the chances of a tropical cyclone forming late this week or weekend around Vanuatu (poses no threat to NZ).

+ A 7 day rainfall map to make sense of any wet weather NZ has this week and weekend.