It looks as though August 2010 will kick off off windy, wet and warm for most places as a spring-like system moves in from the Tasman Sea, predicts WeatherWatch.co.nz.

Head weather analyst Philip Duncan says the windy weather will start in the deep south on Friday morning and will drift northwards over the weekend.

“We expect very strong winds from the northerly quarter, most likely as nor’westers in the South Island and about Wairarapa and northerlies across Wellington”.

Mr Duncan says it’s possible winds will be strong enough to cause damage in some isolated areas.  “Most of these areas are fairly used to gales from this wind direction so we don’t anticipate much damage but motorists and those planning on being outside this weekend should be aware that strong winds and heavy rain are on the way”.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says winter has been fairly calm for much of New Zealand so far, wind wise, and this system has more characterists of spring.

The government forecaster, MetService, is also watching the approaching system.  On Thursday afternoon they predicted a “moderate risk” of severe gales about the entire eastern coastline of the South Island also Mt Taranaki, Wellington and Wairarapa.

Heavy rain is also likely across the entire western coastline and western ranges of the South Island and as far north as Waikato/Waitomo, says MetService.

Graphic / NZ Govt