The past couple of weeks have seen unusual wind flows for this time of the year around New Zealand, especially last week with easterlies dominating. However Mother Nature has clearly checked the calendar and as of October 1st a westerly wind flow returns to our country – and cranks up above gale force this weekend for some.

Thursday sees westerly quarter winds blowing in, with a strong surge of wind coming in overnight Friday and Saturday.

On Sunday afternoon west to north west winds build over the South Island rising to gale force and maybe even reaching hurricane force (severe gale) amongst the mountains.  Across Sunday PM and Monday AM regions like Southland, Otago, Canterbury, Marlborough and Wellington may have winds strong enough to prompt wind warnings or watches.

Next week high pressure dominates north of NZ – meaning the winds get stronger the further south you head.  While calmer weather moves in around Tuesday and Wednesday the windy westerlies return later next week.  

Classic October weather.

Image / Tasman wind map for this coming Sunday evening shows calmer winds around Australia and gales around NZ (red and purple colouring) / Weatherzone

– WeatherWatch.co.nz