Gale force winds are now affecting parts of Auckland with northerly gales west of the airport on the Manukau Heads and Awhitu.  Gusts are reaching 80 to 125km/h with strong winds continuing to strengthen across a number of major North Island centres this afternoon.

In Napier winds are now gusting over 90km/h with 70km/h gusts in Gisborne.

Northerly gales are still hitting the capital with gusts between 90 and 125km/h across the city’s exposed regions.  Gales on Mt Kaukau have eased from hurricane force, which is where they were this morning when a gust hit 172km/h.

Temperatures are varied over the nation.  The east of the North Island is hot with Hastings now on 30 degrees and Napier on 28, while Gisborne has 25.

Whitianga and Whangarei both have 24.

Heavy rain is falling across the Waikato, much to the relief of farmers.  WeatherWatch.co.nz says many dry farms in the region should get up to 20mm of rain over the course of today.

Rain has eased in a number of other central NZ regions.

What are the weather readings where you are?  Post a comment below