A front is set to move northwards over New Zealand during Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing a period of rain and a change to cooler southerly winds.

The front moves over the South Island on Tuesday, with temperatures expected to drop into the mid-teens for most places there after its passage.

'This is not uncommon for this time of year, but it should be a noticeable change from the warm and humid conditions that have prevailed over most of the country for the last few days,” says MetService meteorologist Stephen Glassey.

On Wednesday, a low-pressure system is expected to develop on the front as it moves onto the North Island. This may mean that the rain and southerly winds hang around parts of the North Island until late in the week, whereas the rain should clear most of the South Island on Wednesday.

'North Islanders should also notice a dip in temperatures from Wednesday,” says Stephen.