Conditions are slowly going downhill across the country with winds continuing to build and rain setting in.

WeatherWatch.co.nz is receiving reports of heavy rain along the West Coast and the windier weather is now arriving with gales along the West Coast and near-gale force winds creeping into both islands.

The strongest winds at 12 noon were on Mt Kaukau, a hilltop above Wellington.  Winds there are averaging 83km/h and gusting to 105. While no one lives there it does indicate the nastier weather is arriving – it’s usually the first weather observation to measure winds over 100km/h when a system like this moves in.

In populated areas Taranaki is receiving some of the strongest winds with average speeds of 44km/h in both New Plymouth and Hawera.  Gale force is 62km/h.  The mountain, however, is creating stronger gusts over Hawera with 72km/h recorded in the past 60 minutes.

And gusty weather is also affecting Canterbury with Kaikoura averaging 52km/h and gusts up to 76km/h.

The windiest main centre, however, is Westport – gale force winds averaging 65km/h are blowing across the area from the NNE direction and gusts are now being clocked at 85km/h at 91km/h.  Gusts are reaching 96km/h in Hokitika.

Christchurch is the warmest centre as of 12 o’clock, with 17 degrees.

Homepage image / Kerry Rowe