The sun may be shining for the last few days of the holidays – but the rain looks to be closing in as children and teens head back to school next week.

Photo: file.

According to MetService, an easterly flow spreads over New Zealand on Tuesday as a ridge of high pressure moves away to the southeast.

A low is expected to approach the northeast of the North Island late Tuesday and Wednesday, then remain slow moving there on Thursday.

MetService predicts this system should bring rain to the east of the North Island, with low confidence that rainfall accumulations will reach warning criteria in Gisborne during Wednesday and Thursday.

The low should weaken away over northern New Zealand on Friday, while a north-easterly flow covers the remainder of the country.

Tauranga's highs for the week are in the 20s, with fine spells and cloudy periods developing, while rain and showers settle in on Wednesday and Thursday.

Temperatures above 20 degrees are forecast for Whakatane, while cloudy periods and rain develop later in the week.

Thames and Whitianga will also receive temperatures 20 degrees and above, with showers and occasional rain settling in from Tuesday.