A ridge covers most of New Zealand today however we do have what will be Ex Tropical Cyclone Hola sliding down the northeastern side of the upper North Island during the day, a southwesterly airflow then spreads over the country on Tuesday.

Expect strong to gale force winds and some heavy rain for parts of the upper / eastern North Island today, rain will clear later this evening or overnight with winds then gradually easing however they will likely still be brisk / strong. The South Island is mainly dry with only a few showers affecting the far south.

The flow tends to the southwest on Tuesday, while gales are not looking as likely winds will still be brisk or strong for some regions. The east coast of the North Island sees the best weather after any early morning showers clear. Sunny about Canterbury at first then a southerly change pushes in by midday bringing showers which reaches Marlborough in the evening.

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz