Despite the low sunshine hours, temperatures are still above average for June and this trend will continue for much of the week, says the MetService.

Northerly winds dragging warm air across New Zealand are the reason for the mild temperatures, but the warm air moving down from the north will also bring wet weather to many by mid-week.

A front currently moving eastwards across the Tasman Sea will approach New Zealand on Tuesday night. It will then cross the country during Wednesday and into Thursday morning, bringing rain to many places.

Northern and western areas will feel the greatest effects, with some heavy falls and even a chance of thunderstorms.

'After this front has moved across New Zealand, a trough is then expected to affect New Zealand on Thursday,” says MetService Meteorologist Claire Flynn.

'This will bring further rain, though again northern and western areas will see most of it.”

A southerly change is then expected to sweep northwards up the country on Thursday evening and Friday morning, bringing rain to some eastern areas and cooler temperatures.

This is followed by a ridge of high pressure later on Friday, which should settle the weather temporarily before the next feature approaches. 'Towards the end of the week, a low pressure system is expected to deepen across the Tasman, and track towards New Zealand next weekend. This low pressure system is likely to be significant, bringing rain and strong winds to many parts of New Zealand next weekend,” says Claire.

The MetService also advises that tonight will be the longest night of the year in New Zealand, and Tuesday will be the shortest day with the Winter Solstice occurring at 10:34 am.