New Zealand has enjoyed a run of calm, frosty mornings and crisp, clear days under a broad ridge of high pressure.

Places like Dunedin Airport, Timaru and Wānaka dipped to their lowest temperatures of the year this morning at -6.7C, -4.7C and -5.1C respectively.

Meanwhile, Aucklanders have experienced consistent low morning temperatures that have been below 4C every day so far this week.

In Tauranga, temperatures have been sitting around 3C in the morning.

However, this spell of settled weather is coming to a close, as conditions gradually turn over the weekend with warmer temperatures, rain and wind returning to the forecast from early next week.

After what has been a notably cold and settled week of July, the shift to a more active pattern may feel like a dramatic change for many.

“We can enjoy the clear days for a little bit longer. But that ridge is on the move and we’ll start to feel the effects as early as Saturday in the south,” said MetService meteorologist Devlin Lynden.

“Our focus is on the next system which will bring rain and wind back into the picture for many areas by late Sunday and into Monday, with more severe weather possible on Tuesday.”

The first signs of change are set to start in Fiordland late Friday, with cloud and showers spreading northward.

Some showers are also forecast for the Bay of Plenty on Saturday.

By Sunday, areas such as Northland and the West Coast can expect scattered showers, while eastern regions such as Canterbury and Hawke’s Bay stay dry a little longer.

Next week looks more unsettled overall, with warmer temperatures brought in by strengthening northerly winds.

The MetService is forecasting rain to move across the country on Tuesday, July 29. Image / MetService

Showers spread further east on Monday and by Tuesday there is a risk of heavier rain developing for the north of the North Island, including in Tauranga.

“Warnings and watches for heavy rain and for strong winds may be issued in the coming days. Keep up with the latest information at metservice.com, especially as we head into a more active and changeable weather week.”