It will be another day of strong westerlies across the country.  The main focus for the strong winds will be about central New Zealand and the lower South Island.

Strong winds are expected to strengthen to severe gale force about the deep south this evening.  Gusts of up to 120 km/h are expected in exposed areas tonight and lasting into the pre-dawn hours of Tuesday.  Government forecaster MetService has a Strong Wind Warning in effect for Southland, Clutha and Dunedin.

Otago could see winds approaching severe gale force tonight.

MetService also has a Strong Wind Warning in effect for Wairarapa.  Winds are expected to strengthen to severe gale force this evening and last until Tuesday morning.  120 km/h gusts are expected in exposed places.

Wellington, Marlborough and Canterbury may also see severe gale force winds later today into tonight.  These areas will be monitored carefully for a possible warning.

Homepage image/ Rebecca Downes

By WeatherWatch.co.nz Analyst Howard Joseph