New Zealand is covered in a strong westerly flow today, making for gusty winds – even a bit squally in passing downpours. The season we have dubbed “Sprinter” (winter + windy spring) continues despite being in the very depths of winter.

The winds are keeping frosts away and pushing overnight lows well above average for late July. Daytime temperatures are average in many areas, although some in the east may again be warmer than average today.

Many people are asking us when the winds will end – but we see no immediate end in sight to this windy pattern.

Here’s the latest wind map – showing the Chatham Islands well out to the east as being one of the more settled, mild and pleasant places to be in New Zealand today – quite possibly the first time in 11 years we have said that!