Warm and wet weather is on the way for New Zealand as a mature low pressure system drives a moist airflow over the country.
MetService forecasts either rain or showers for northern parts of the North Island on Tuesday and the West Coast of the South Island on Wednesday ahead of an active front on Thursday.
Heavy rain and northerly winds will precede the front, with heavy rain watches and warnings now in force for parts of the South Island.
The active front currently lying to the south of New Zealand then moves north late on Wednesday into Thursday, MetService said, bringing wet weather to most of the country with more severe weather possible as well.
"With changeable weather expected around the country, those travelling during this first week of the school holidays should keep up to date with our forecasts," MetService meteorologist Kyle Lee said.
Although temperatures were feeling cooler during the Easter Weekend, New Zealand is in for a warmer week ahead.
"Warm air is being streamed onto New Zealand from the tropics, so from tonight temperatures, especially the overnight temperatures, are expected to be well above average for this time of year," Lee said.
"Some centres could see overnight temperatures as high as 10C above average with the upper North Island barely dropping below 17C at night until Friday. For those who put the winter weight duvet on the bed, it might be kicked off in the coming nights."
The cold front on Thursday brings change as it sweeps across the country. On top of the rain expected with the front, there is a distinct temperature drop behind it too, MetService added.
Anzac weekend will also be mainly settled as the front moves offshore on Friday, leaving the country in the wake of a drier and cooler southwest flow.
