At least one day of summery weather this week can be expected, as a ridge of high pressure finally makes its way onto New Zealand.

But starry skies will bring some chilly overnight temperatures, especially for inland areas, warns the MetService.

Cloudy and rainy conditions are forecast for Tuesday, with a series of weather fronts hanging about the country.

The rain gradually eases by Wednesday, as a southwesterly flow moves onto the country, which brings cooler daytime temperatures for the South Island on Wednesday.

'Although rain is good for the farmers, those holidaying will be glad of a break in the wet conditions on Thursday, when the sun finally comes out and starts to warm us,” says meteorologist Emma Blades.

'Although this is great for beachgoers, it's not such good news for campers, as those clear skies do mean that temperatures are forecast to plummet overnight.”

The central North Island and inland Otago and Marlborough could possibly drop to 4C. Cooler daytime conditions continue on Friday, as we move back to a southwest flow.

Most places in the country can expect a few showers sometime on Friday or Saturday, with some sunshine in between.