Long sunny spells and warm temperatures mark the transition from winter to spring this week.

The two weather systems that brought periods of rain today are expected to weaken off tomorrow. By Wednesday, a broad ridge of high pressure takes control of the country.

There is little chance of cold conditions for recently-born lambs this week.

The result is calm winds, blue skies and a sunny swan song to winter.

Thursday, the start of spring, should remain dry for the main centres although a broad swathe of cloud unfurls across the lower South Island ahead of a springtime classic: a fast-moving front.

This front moves up the country on Friday, bringing a dousing of rain to western parts.

Ahead of the front, strong northwesterly winds will whip through the east, bringing with them strong gusts but also warm temperatures.

'Places in Canterbury and Marlborough could reach 20 degrees on Friday, which would be the first time since July 23, when a major front moved up the country heating up the east through foehn warming,” says meteorologist Tom Adams.

Spring is a lively time of year for weather, so make sure you keep up to date with the latest forecasts and any watches/warnings at metservice.com or on mobile devices at m.metservice.com.

You can also follow our updates on MetService TV, at MetService New Zealand on Facebook, @metservice and @MetServiceWARN on Twitter and at blog.metservice.com