The polar southerly flow covers NZ to kick off this week but a huge high pressure zone leaving Tasmania will end up over northern NZ by later this week and that placement, along with the size and shape of the high, will encourage a windier westerly flow late week and going into the weekend over most of the country.

For some places, like eastern NZ, that means a lift in temperatures this week and drier skies. Some regions may feel spring-like late this week or this coming weekend. We’re not finished with winter though, there are still polar airflows in the longer range maps.

Frosts return for both main islands this week, although not everyone will have them due to the wind still blowing here and there.

We have your NZ forecast out to Sunday as we track the incoming high and how it will alter our weather pattern.