MetService is forecasting a series of fronts which will make their way over the country this week, bringing strong northwesterly winds and periods of rain, particularly for the South Island. 

On Thursday, a cold southwesterly flow takes over, and while it brings some clearer skies over the South Island, it also leads to lower temperatures.

Overnight from tonight (Tuesday) into Wednesday a low-pressure system passes just to the south of the South Island, bringing another cold front onto the lower South Island,  MetService meteorologist Juliane Bergdolt says.

“We see a repeating pattern on Wednesday as another front moves northwards up the country, reaching Christchurch around midday. 

“Much like Monday’s front, it is preceded by strengthening northwesterlies and potentially heavy rain. Severe Weather Watches may be issued . . .  in the coming days. However, this front is followed by strong and cold southwesterly winds, bringing a distinct dip in the temperatures just ahead of the long weekend,” she said.

A strong wind watch has been issued for the Canterbury High Country for the six hours from 3am-9am tomorrow (Wednesday), with the possibility of Northwest winds approaching severe gale in exposed places.

There is also a strong wind watch in place for Clutha and Dunedin, with the possibility of a west to southwest wind approaching severe gale in exposed places in the five hours from 5am-10am tomorrow.

Looking ahead, the Easter forecast still has some uncertainties, with a low-pressure system to the northeast of the North Island that may have a part to play.

The driest weather will be in the South Island, with Central Otago, inland Canterbury, and the West Coast most likely to see the sun. However, there will be a chill in the air so wrap up warm for any early morning Easter egg hunts.