It’s a settled start to the week for much of the country, with fine conditions expected across most regions, a great opportunity for some outdoor school holiday activities.

However, conditions are expected to deteriorate by midweek, said the MetService.

A developing low in the Tasman Sea is set to bring widespread rain to Aotearoa.

Today, a cold front is sweeping the South Island, bringing scattered showers and patchy frost.

As the day progresses, this system will gradually shift northwards, delivering showers to parts of the North Island by the afternoon, said the weather organisation.

The MetService said the southerly flow behind the front will bring wet weather across the south, and keep overnight temperatures quite chilly.

Tuesday through to Thursday will settle as the cold front departs, making way for a dominant high-pressure system.

However, a developing low-pressure system over the Tasman Sea is forecast to bring wet and unsettled weather to the North Island on Wednesday, with rain spreading into the South Island as the system intensifies on Thursday, said the MetService.

Periods of heavy rain and strong winds are likely, particularly in the north of the North Island, including flood-prone and exposed areas, where thunderstorms are also possible.

“The possibility of a tornado associated with damaging winds should not be discounted, so make sure to keep an eye on MetService.com for updates,” said MetService meteorologist Kgolofelo Dube.

Heavy rain may also affect the upper South Island, potentially causing further impacts in already saturated areas such as Tasman and Nelson, where the risk of flooding and slips will be heightened.

Temperatures will continue to hover below 10°C in many areas, with overnight lows near or below freezing. This will lead to frosty conditions and snowfall in several regions.

Most mountains are already blanketed in thick layers of snow, and the upcoming falls will add to this, creating ideal conditions for ski enthusiasts. However, it may also pose challenges for travel, particularly on snow-affected roads.

The week is expected to end on a more settled note for much of the country, as the rain bands associated with the low shift off to the far east.

-Contributed content