With the long weekend mere hours anyway, many Kiwis will be wondering what weather is in store: and according to MetService, the outlook isn't too shabby.
Despite a recent influx of thunderstorms, strong winds and seesawing temperatures, more settled weather is thankfully on the horizon, meteorologist John Law said.
"For many, there's plenty to look forward to this long weekend no matter where you'll be.
"While we will be seeing some cloudier skies in the north at first this weekend, there is an improvement in the weather for the second half from Northland to the Bay of Plenty. If you are off to the east coast, the first half of the weekend looks best, with cloudier skies returning for the second half."
Those cloudier skies in the north are due to a slow-moving area of low pressure drifting just above the country, Law said, which will bring showers for the northern areas at the start of the long weekend.
That occasional rain is also expected to hit Waikato through to Gisborne on Saturday before continuing northwards, with isolated showers likely in Hawke's Bay and Wairarapa.
For Aucklanders, scattered rain is set to clear in the afternoon for a fine evening, despite some cool southerlies. Sunday is mainly fine, with the chance of late showers, and Monday is expected to bring isolated showers and some cloud before clearing.
"For the South Island, the West Coast looks set to stay dry with spells of sunshine. Thickening cloud in the east could bring an odd shower through the long weekend but there will be plenty of dry weather to enjoy," said Law.
Cooler air is shifting further north across the South Island on Sunday, bringing a small drop in temperature - however, this will pass in time for Labour Day, with Monday set to see temps back in the high teens.
This pattern will be evident in Christchurch, which is will enjoy a high of 18C on Saturday before dropping to 12C on Sunday and climbing back to 18C again on Monday, Law noted.
Folks in Whanganui may be in for a treat this Labour weekend: forecasting indicates the River City will enjoy temperatures of up to 20C and dry conditions. Is it still too early to bust out the barbie?
