Most of New Zealand looks set to have a settled weekend as a large high spreads a ridge over much of the country.

It should finally put an end to the strong winds over southern and most eastern parts of the North Island and clear most showers out into the Pacific Ocean. 

The clearer skies and lighter winds mean temperatures will likely be down a bit, particularly at night.  Light frosts are predicted for sheltered parts of both islands, with more severe frosts continuing in Central Otago.

However slightly windier conditions may still remain over Northland, Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, Eastern Waikato, Bay of Plenty and East Cape/Gisborne with a squash zone developing between a new low well to the north east of New Zealand and the high centred over the South Island and eastern Tasman Sea. 

The south east winds aren’t going to be gale force but may be a little blustery in exposed coastal areas especially in the north and north east of the North Island on Sunday.

Homepage image / A cool but sunny winter’s day in Omaha, Gavin Smith