Our next big weather system is moving in today and wind speeds have already started to increase.  Temperatures, thanks to the northerly flow, have jumped after a frosty week with some regions waking to morning lows 14 degrees higher than yesterday.

Strong northerlies have developed over Northland and Auckland with gusts up to 80km/h this morning.  But it’s central and eastern parts of New Zealand that are expected to feel the brunt of the blast later today and through Saturday.

Head weather analyst Philip Duncan says severe gales will develop through the central South Island reaching Wellington and Wairarapa this evening.  “Wellington and Masterton will both be exposed to severe gales, mostly tonight.  Motorists driving over the Rimutaka Ranges should take extreme care overnight and during tomorrow with gusts of 150km/h possible at the summit”.

Government forecaster MetService is predicting severe gales of 140km/h for exposed parts of Marlborough, Wellington and Wairarapa.

“Christchurch and Napier will also have a windy 24 to 36 hours but there is a positive – strong northerlies also mean a bump in temperatures.  Some places will be near 20 degrees over the weekend”.

The Radio Network’s Weather Watch Centre will monitor conditions closely later in the day with more frequent updates.

What are conditions like in your town?  Post your comments on this story!