'Summer' has finally arrived

Weather analyst Philip Duncan says warm days and cool nights are on the way. Photo / Thinkstock

"Summer" could finally arrive for much of the country this week.

WeatherWatch.co.nz head weather analyst Philip Duncan said a big high was drifting toward New Zealand and that meant only one thing - "some stunning autumn weather is on the way".

Coastal showers were possible tomorrow but after that it would be dry and settled for most of New Zealand.

"This is a solid high which will cross the country on Wednesday and linger until the end of the weekend for many areas," Mr Duncan said.

"Autumn is frequently voted the most preferred season in WeatherWatch.co.nz polls and this week the weather should live up to expectations of warm days and cool nights in many parts of the country. It will be autumn at its best."

The news isn't so great for those who have given up on New Zealand's summer and headed to the Pacific in search of the sun; Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga face the threat of cyclones.

Fiji and Tonga both have a low risk of tropical cyclone activity but even if a cyclone fails to develop, win and heavy rain are expected.

"But the highest risk lies directly to our north west, around the Coral Sea and Vanuatu," a WeatherWatch.co.nz spokesman said.

"As early as this coming weekend we may have a tropical cyclone forming near Vanuatu," he warned.