By 1News Reporters
11:50am

After a week of thunderstorms, intense downpours, gusts and tornadoes, the weather is set to calm as the country heads into Anzac weekend.

High pressure was forecast to bring some "very welcome settled weather" for much of the country over the long weekend, MetService meteorologist John Law said.

"However, a band of rain will brush the top of the North Island overnight tonight and tomorrow, keeping Northland, Auckland and the Coromandel on the wetter side."

A heavy rain warning was in place for Great Barrier Island and the area of eastern Northland and eastern Auckland between Hikurangi and Whangaparaoa for Thursday night into Friday.

Heavy rain watches were issued for eastern Northland, south of the Bay of Islands, and the Coromandel north of Whitianga.

On Saturday, Kiwis in most parts of the country were expected to see dry conditions as they marked Anzac Day. However, some early morning showers were possible around the eastern coast of Northland, which could affect some dawn services.

"Dawn services are looking mostly dry, but it will be a cold start,
especially inland," Law said. "Waiouru is set to be one of the coldest spots, with temperatures around 1C at daybreak."

While nights would remain chilly, plenty of sunshine was expected to help
lift daytime temperatures, Law said, particularly across the eastern South Island. After a run of cooler days, Canterbury and Otago were expected to be the warmest parts of the country this weekend, with Dunedin forecast to reach around 22C on Saturday - about five degrees above average for this time of year.

High pressure would stay in charge through to Monday for most regions, giving Kiwis the chance to soak up the sunshine as they enjoy their final day of the long weekend.

"There will be a few showers pushing into Southland and parts of the West Coast, but for many, especially those recently affected by severe weather, it will be a welcome break."

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