This will certainly be a windy week for some regions as spring westerlies dominate for what looks like the next week or two. WeatherWatch.co.nz forecasters note that on Wednesday evening northwesterly winds are likely to build and become strong about northern parts of the South Island and Cook Strait, gale northwesterlies are mainly likely about the Strait itself.

On Thursday strong northwesterlies in many areas of the North Island and upper half of the South Island will give way to strong west to southwesterly winds in the afternoon gale force in exposed western regions of the North Island. Strong west to southwesterly winds are likely across most of the South Island from afternoon also.

Friday sees very strong southwesterlies over New Zealand however they will ease later in the day as a high to the northwest of the country pushes in a little closer, Saturday has another bout of strong northwesterly winds in store before yet more strong southwesterlies on Sunday.

There will be areas of rain however rain warnings are not looking as likely as wind warnings are, a period of heavy rain may move through western parts of both Islands on Thursday then again over the weekend.

Homepage image / 19th October 7am wind map – weathermap.co.nz

WeatherWatch.co.nz