Very strong winds whipped through Tasmania yesterday and the windy conditions are set to continue due to a series of fast moving fronts – the same ones that will also affect New Zealand.

A series of cold fronts passing over the state are generating blustery westerly winds, which have been gusting well above 100km/h over exposed and coastal locations.

A gust of 126km/h was reported at Mount Wellington on Friday, its strongest wind in 3 months. Maatsuyker Island saw a gust to 111km/h just before midday, the highest wind there in about a month.

These winds may just be a precursor to potentially storm force winds that could affect the state early next week.

Forecast models indicate the development of a very strong pressure gradient on Monday and Tuesday. This will be due to a large high to the north and a deep low over the Bight. Winds gusts may equal or gust higher than the those currently sweeping through Tasmania.

The low will whip up high seas, creating dangerous conditions for the Apple Island during Monday and Tuesday says Weatherzone.

Meanwhile back in NZ and WeatherWatch.co.nz says our winds, while blustery at times in exposed areas, should be below warning thresholds for the next few days.

Windy conditions have returned to some areas in the past 24 hours but a smidge of high air pressure for Tuesday and Wednesday should see winds easing in many areas for at least 24 to 48 hours.

However strong winds are likely to return – along with heavy showers in the west – for the end of next week.

– Weatherzone, WeatherWatch.co.nz