Fine weather forecast for most of the week ahead is good news for those plannning to enjoy outdoor activities during the July school holidays.

MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane says this week will see New Zealand come under the influence of a ridge of high pressure that is expected to stick around for a few days.

“This means mostly settled and bright weather ahead, great timing for school holidays! However, the possibility of low cloud or fog settling into inland valleys, which may linger for a little while, should not be discounted," says Mmathapelo.

“Although sunny skies will bring some warmth during the day, the chilly southwesterly wind means daytime temperatures will remain noticeably cool, even in normally temperate places like Northland."

The start of July has been a true reminder that we are in the middle of winter, and MetService forecasts that the chilly weather is set to continue. Calm and frosty conditions will dominate well into this week, punctuated by brief showers as a weather system sweeps up the country Friday and Saturday.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, a large high pressure system covers New Zealand with minimal risk of severe weather.

On Thursday, the large high pressure system is expected to drift slowly southeast, but an associated ridge continues to bring settled weather to the nation.

The large high pressure system, now to the southeast of New Zealand will continue to extend a ridge over the country on Friday. There is minimal risk of severe weather.