A cold southerly is on the way for those wanting to celebrate Guy Fawkes this weekend reports WeatherWatch.co.nz.

The cold front is expected to hit Southland on Friday bringing a significant drop in temperatures from this week.  Invercargill has hit 21 degrees twice since Sunday but on Friday the city may be lucky to climb over 11.

That cold southerly will head northwards during Friday reaching Canterbury during the day and into Wellington by night.

Saturday looks to be cold right up the east coast of New Zealand with a few showers – however conditions are going to ease quickly in the west as another large high rolls in.

Temperatures should return to normal by Sunday or Monday.

The positive is that there should be long dry spells for many centres wanting to celebrate Guy Fawkes safely outdoors.

WeatherWatch.co.nz will have a detailed Guy Fawkes forecast on Thursday for Friday and Saturday nights.