Residents in the lower and eastern parts of the North Island are forecast to see a showery and windy end to the first weekend of 2025.

Wellington is forecast to reach just 14C today – with 90km/h gusts possible in exposed places while Palmerston North is set to reach only 16C – although Aucklanders will get highs in the early 20s for most of next week

The rain that plagued the eastern parts of the North Island yesterday would be followed by more showers, MetService forecaster Surprise Mhlongo said.

“That is expected to gradually start spreading north.”

Tomorrow, MetService is forecasting rain in the south and east of the North Island – possibly heavy at times – before easing later in the day, with fine spells and isolated showers elsewhere.

The South Island will see cloudy periods and a few showers in northern and eastern areas, while most other regions remain dry.

Tuesday is forecast to bring clearing showers to the North Island’s east with fine spells across much of the island, but in the South Island, rain is forecast to spread north, with some areas likely to experience heavy falls.

Other spots in for a milder end to the weekend include Christchurch, with a forecast high of just 16C on Sunday, Dunedin (15C), Taupō (16C) and Gisborne (17C).

Mhlongo said the country would probably experience a cold spell for the next few days into early next week.

Aside from a brief respite on Wednesday, temperatures could fall again on Thursday and Friday.

Niwa said tomorrow’s weather would be “abysmal” for the eastern and lower half of the North Island.

“If you’re in Wellington Region, Hawke’s Bay, or anywhere south of the Waikato, indoor plans are not a bad idea.”