Mostly sunny, dry, weather will remain for most places for the rest of the long weekend according to WeatherWatch.co.nz.  The large high pressure system is bringing very cold nights to much of the country but thanks to mostly clear skies and light winds the sun is still bringing relatively warm days.

Kaitaia reached 21 degrees on Good Friday and most northern and eastern places should move into the low 20s by Sunday or Monday.

One or two light showers may affect people near the Tasman Sea.  Low cloud is also quite likely on Sunday morning.  Head weather analyst Philip Duncan says it’s quite normal to have low cloud and light showers with a large high.  “It’s called anticyclonic gloom – low cloud and showers trapped near the centre of the high where winds are at their lightest”.

A gradual shift to northerlies or nor’westers should also bring a bit of warmth in for those in the east of both islands, particularly on Monday and a slight rise in overnight temperatures.

“The large high also means seas should gradually become calmer, great news for those wanting to head out fishing or those brave enough to make one last dip in the sea.  In some areas the sea will be warmer than the air above it” says Mr Duncan. 

Be sure to read the latest marine forecasts provided by MetService before heading out.