Patchy rain is continuing to move across the North Island with heavier rain predicted to set in later today says WeatherWatch.co.nz.

Conditions are deteriorating as the low and associated frontal system move in with northerly gales blasting the West Coast earlier today. 

However this afternoon the winds have tilted slight more north west along the South Island’s west coast and that’s seen gusts ease from 100km/h to 80 and 90km/h.   Winds are no longer officially gale force there.

But as the wind direction changes slightly the focus shifts to eastern New Zealand where gales are predicted to set in this afternoon and tonight.

In Kaikoura this hour the average speed is 46km/h (gale is 62km/h) with gusts to 72km/h   Further north and Wellington’s winds are picking up too with gusts hitting 65km/h but 120km/h on the hilltops.

Winds continue to slowly strengthen in Taranaki, now close to 50km/h with gusts to 76km/h in Hawera.

None of these wind speeds are anywhere near damaging but may still pose some dangers to motorists, says WeatherWatch.co.nz.

Christchurch and Dunedin remain the warmest two centres with 17 degrees each thanks to the wind direction.

While it’s windy for many, especially between Banks Peninsula and Mt Taranaki, WeatherWatch.co.nz maintains that rain is still the main feature of this system and doubts winds will prove much of an issue for most people.

Rain is predicted to set in tonight with heavier falls in the north. 

And WeatherWatch.co.nz says a new low is now developing over Tasmania and will quickly move into the Tasman Sea tomorrow, bringing more heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms to northern New Zealand on Tuesday.