Dry, cool weekend forecast for NZ and tonight's rugby

Most of the country will be overcast this weekend, but the rain is expected to hold off. Photo / File

An overcast and blustery weekend of weather is in store, but the good news is tonight's rugby - and most of the country - should stay dry over the next two days.

The upper North Island will be mostly cloudy today, with the chance of a few showers, with a southwesterly wind freshening in the afternoon to around 25km/h.

Wellington should be fine, though some cloud and a strong southerly are expecting to move in around late morning.

Rugby fans should expect to wrap up warm tonight, with temperatures in Christchurch dipping to around six degrees for tonight's highly-awaited match between the British and Irish Lions and the Crusaders.

The big match should stay dry, with winds dying off late afternoon.

Fine spells and morning showers are forecast for the lower South Island, with cold southwesterlies making temperatures of around 10 degrees feel much cooler.

It's a similar story for much of the country tomorrow, with the conditions mainly fine, calmer winds and the chance of some showers in the west.