MetService is forecasting calmer and cooler conditions for most of New Zealand, approaching the weekend with a ridge of high pressure building over much of the country.
However, a low pressure centre will bring rain to northern regions — including Northland, Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula — said MetService meteorologist Alwyn Bakker.
"Northland, and potentially Auckland and the Coromandel, can expect strengthening winds and some wet weather for the next few days, so keep an eye out for severe weather information."
The building ridge will bring clear skies and frosty starts, with most of the country forecast to be colder than usual overnight.
Nearly all of the South Island's main centres can expect sub-zero nights — just Dunedin and Westport would remain above 0°C.
Kaikōura would be particularly chilly on Saturday into Sunday with a minimum temperature of -2°C. Bakker said it wasn't the lowest temperature around but that it was eight degrees lower than average in that area at this time of the year.
"It will be a little warmer up in the North Island. However, most locations south of Auckland will see low single digits overnight."
The meteorologist warned drivers to take care in lower temperatures.
"Road conditions may be hazardous in some locations, as those lower temperatures allow existing ice to stick around for longer."
The ridge starts to move away toward the end of the weekend and a band of rain would approach the South Island from the west. At the same time, the low affecting the upper North Island will gradually move east.
Bakker said its exact path was still to be forecast and to keep up to date with the latest advice.
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