A deep low forecast to push off Tasmania on Sunday could bring a period of severe weather to New Zealand next week predicts WeatherWatch.co.nz.

The low, which will be large in size as well as aggressive, will move into the Southern Tasman sea on Monday and by Tuesday and Wednesday it will be tracking south of Southland.

Latest computer models indicate the centre of the low won’t hit New Zealand – however gales and heavy rain skirting the low will very likely make it in to the South Island.

The strong winds will be fuelled by both the deep low to the west and a strong high to the north east of New Zealand.  The South Island will be in the squash zone between these two systems.

WeatherWatch.co.nz currently predicts rain warnings will likely be issued for much of the West Coast for Tuesday, while severe gale warnings are also possible for Southland, Otago and Canterbury on Tuesday.

Strong wnids and rain will also spread into the lower North Island on Tuesday and/or Wednesday, but it’s too early to know for sure if they will require warnings.

WeatherWatch.co.nz will keep you updated on this developing story.

Image / Broken umbrellas in the rubbish bin – not useful for stormy weather – MandenoMoments.com