While hints of summer are showing, the MetService is forecasting a mix of wet, warm and windy weather to dominate this week.

'High pressure northeast of the country is steering warm, tropical air in a stream across the North Island, which will drive significant rainfall to lower western and central regions from today through to Wednesday," says MetService meteorologist Tahlia Crabtree.

Persistent heavy rain in the Kāpiti-Horowhenua (Heavy Rain Warning) and Taranaki (Heavy Rain Watch) regions will see rainfall exceed 100mm, while catchments in the Tararua Ranges can expect accumulations up to 350mm.

'Rivers will swell, roads may see surface flooding – make sure to take care, and stay up to day with NZTA and local council updates."

Where it isn't raining in the North Island, it's blowing - Strong Wind Watches are are in place for Wellington, Marlborough, Wairarapa for northwest gales until Tuesday evening.

Other parts of the country are exempt from the wettest weather, and instead are competing for first to 30°C.

Christchurch had the highest chance for Monday (high 29°C), then Whangārei and Napier battle it out for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Crabtree says Hawke's Bay may take the win for warmest night, with an overnight minimum of 21°C an uncomfortable 8°C above average for December.

Thursday sees a spell of settled weather and a return to average temperatures across the country, before the next period of rain moves up the South Island to end the week.