Mix of rain and fine weather for Easter

The MetService says it will be a mixed Easter weekend, with both fine and rainy patches forecast throughout the country.

Those in the North Island can look forward to fine weather today and tomorrow, which means good driving conditions for people heading away for a few days' break.

But a low pressure system covering part of the Tasman Sea is expected to bring rain to the Auckland region and Northland on Sunday and Monday, MetService weather ambassador Bob McDavitt said.

Rain was expected in Auckland "about breakfast time" on Sunday, he said. "Looks like some scattered rain around the North Island on Sunday and Monday."

Sunday's temperature in the City of Sails will range from 14C to 22C.

Weather in the South Island is expected to be the opposite of that in the top half of the country, with rain forecast for today and tomorrow and fine weather expected on Sunday and Monday.

"It looks as though a front may struggle to make much progress beyond the far southern parts of the South Island on Thursday and Friday and should gradually weaken," Mr McDavitt said.

He warned that holidaymakers should make regular checks on the weather as sudden changes could seriously affect driving conditions.

"Travellers are urged to check the MetService weather forecasts regularly during Easter, so that they stay up to date with the latest expected conditions."

Meanwhile, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa) says we can expect a warm end to autumn.

According to the latest outlook from its climate centre, temperatures are very likely to be above the long-term average in most parts of the country over the next three months. However, short-term cold snaps are still likely, especially as winter approaches.

Tomorrow and Saturday: Fine.
Sunday and Monday: Rainy patches.This year's Easter egg hunt may have to be indoors, as rain is expected on Sunday.