A blocking ridge of high pressure lingers to the east of New Zealand through to the end of the weekend, with MetService predicting settled and warm weather to prevail across much of the country for the remaining days of summer.

A frontal system that brought heavy rain to the west of the South Island earlier this week has weakened and become slow-moving over central New Zealand. The front continues to decay as it drifts southwards tomorrow (Friday), bringing light rain to the West Coast of the South Island. The remainder of the country can expect a mix of fine weather, some cloud and a few showers during the next few days, with most of the shower activity expected to occur about inland places.

Generally warm temperatures are forecast for the remainder of summer, with many places expected to reach the mid to high twenties during the afternoons.

MetService Meteorologist Peter Little comments, “More warm, humid nights are likely over northern New Zealand through until early next week, which will continue to make sleeping uncomfortable for those without air-conditioning.”

The settled end to summer is also good news for those folk planning on attending the Wings over Wairarapa Air Festival near Masterton this weekend.

“Fine weather is forecast for the Wings over Wairarapa Air Festival, along with light winds and daytime temperatures in the high twenties,” adds Little.

Early next week the blocking ridge looks to finally lose its grip, allowing a new frontal system over the Tasman Sea to spread rain into western parts of the country.

Little says, “It looks like it will be a damp start to autumn next week for western regions, while generally dry and warm weather continues in the east.”

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