Following a morning of heavy showers, hail and isolated thunder Aucklanders now have some of their strongest winds this week with gale force south westerlies across much of the city.

And if you think it’s cold – you’re right.  WeatherWatch.co.nz estimates the wind chill is around 6 degrees as of 1pm in the gusts.

Gale force winds are currently being recorded at Auckland Airport, the Manukau Heads and across Auckland Harbour with gusts around 100 to 115km/h over the city.  Gusts within the CBD may be even higher due to the wind tunnel effect caused by high rise buildings.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says it’s possible more trees may be damaged in the winds which could lead to more power cuts. 

Weather analyst Philip Duncan says the showers are starting to ease though – for now.  “We’re seeing showers clearing and with it so are the squally conditions.  It’s these squalls that have caused most of the damage across Auckland lately, as they can often be violent and come out of no where”.

But it appears the easing in showers will be short lived.  A new cold front will tonight race up the west coast and reach Auckland in the early on Thursday morning, again bringing squalls, hail and the risk of damaging gales.

Mr Duncan says conditions after that should then finally start to ease for the city.